The number of homeless people living in Melton has risen 30 per cent since 2006, according to the latest statistics.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, released by the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP), reveal there were 177 homeless people in the area in 2011, compared to 136 in 2006.
That put Melton among the top 50 of the worst-affected areas of Victoria for homelessness. Albert Park, Melbourne and Dandenong topped the list, each with more than 3000 people.
CHP chief executive officer Jenny Smith said the data should shock all political parties into making homelessness a priority at November’s state election.
“There’s a train line of homelessness carving though our city and not a single electorate is immune,” Ms Smith said.
“We have the solutions to end homelessness for good at our fingertips. We just need the political will to make it happen.”
Ms Smith called on election candidates to back the CHP’s call for $50 million a year for programs that have been proven internationally and locally to reduce homelessness by putting a focus on housing, along with intensive support.
“Providing bricks and mortar, teamed with support services, is the most effective way to end homelessness,” she said. “Every day we fail to act on homelessness, 23,000 people in Victoria continue to pay the price . . . $50 million is a modest investment to improve the lives of so many men, women and children.”
Melton city council provides services for people to stay in current housing or explore options like shared housing, private rental or community and public housing.
The council’s housing services unit also provides support to a number of transitional properties, where tenants sign short-term leases while looking for appropriate longer-term accommodation.
