What we are seeking
We are asking the Victorian Government investment to:
- Provide a minimum of 25 crisis accommodation properties across Banyule to support people escaping from family violence and for homeless or at-risk youth.
- Provide $100,000 funding for a feasibility study into providing a homeless youth refuge in the Bellfield West Heidelberg area.
- Declare Victorian Government land along the Hurstbridge Rail corridor surplus and rezone it for key worker accommodation.
- Fund a 24-hour housing and homelessness outreach service in Banyule for an after hour access to housing services.
What it will deliver
Planning and investment in future housing stock will help break the cycle of homelessness across many vulnerable groups including at-risk youth, people escaping family violence and key workers.
What you can do
To help us deliver this priority, you can write to our Lower House Member of Parliament for this electorate or any of our Upper House Members of Parliament for their commitment to deliver funding for this project.
Overview
The number of local people in experiencing homelessness or in insecure housing is growing.
These community members do not have access to the services they need.
We require an active outreach service to provide:
- assertive outreach to engage rough sleepers
- short- to medium-term case management and linkages to other service
- information and referrals to housing and accommodation options
- information and referral to general and specialist services.
Despite the increase in people experiencing homelessness, and the level of disadvantage in parts of our community, there are only 2,296 social housing dwellings across Banyule, representing 4.3% of total dwellings.
Residents lucky enough to be placed in social and community housing are not offered wrap-around support services, leaving them vulnerable. Our local services are buckling under the growing need for support.