People who have experienced rough sleeping in Shepparton and Mildura will be supported out of homelessness and into their own homes through a new housing program funded by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Housing Harriet Shing announced Homes Victoria and Beyond Housing were partnering to develop a 15-unit housing complex in Shepparton under the Labor Government’s $26 million Regional Supportive Housing Program.
Beyond Housing will operate the new supportive housing units in partnership with Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative, VincentCare Victoria and Primary Care Connect.
Homes Victoria and Mallee Accommodation and Support Program are partnering to deliver six homes in Mildura under the Labor Government’s $26 million Regional Supportive Housing Program.
Mallee Accommodation and Support Program will operate the new supportive housing units in partnership with Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Sunraysia Community Health Services.
The Regional Supportive Housing Program is the first permanent supportive housing of its kind in regional Victoria for people who have experienced rough sleeping. It means more people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in regional Victoria will have the support they need to rebuild their lives.
The program will be based on Housing First principles, which are centred on helping people into long-term housing, and providing the multidisciplinary support they need to move forward in life.
Evidence shows that providing stable, long-term housing with wraparound support breaks the cycle of homelessness and gives people the foundation to thrive.
The Shepparton project demonstrates quality design, including a high level of accessibility and environmental efficiency. The new homes will be well-located, and in keeping with other homes in their neighbourhood.
The Mildura project will be well-located, and in keeping with other homes in their local neighbourhood. Construction of the proposed homes is expected to start in October 2024, with completion anticipated in August 2025.
In addition to this supportive housing project, Homes Victoria and Mallee Accommodation and Support Program are also partnering to build three youth housing units in Mildura, funded through the Labor Government’s $50 million Youth Housing Capital Grant program.
These homes will be for young people aged 16 to 21 who are engaged in the Better Futures program to support their transition from out-of-home care to independent living. Services provided in the program include coaching and development, tenancy support and specific individualised support.
Construction of the proposed units is expected to start in January 2025, with completion anticipated by the end of the year.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 grows investment into the homelessness system by $197 million over four years, to break the cycle of homelessness. This is on top of over $300 million invested into specialist homelessness services every year, to assist around 100,000 vulnerable Victorians who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Our historic $6.3 billion investment in the Big Housing Build and Regional Housing fund is delivering more than 13,300 homes around Victoria, with more than 9,600 currently underway or complete.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Harriet Shing
“With more housing options and wrap-around support to go with it, we’re reducing homelessness and helping people in Shepparton get their lives back on track.”
“This program is an opportunity to help break the cycle of homelessness for regional Victorians – because now more than ever, home means stability, security and safety.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“We’re supporting vulnerable people in Shepparton and Mildura into their own homes through the Regional Supportive Housing Program, with wrap-around support to ensure they’re able to access long-term, stable housing.”
