Eddie Russell
Melton will be among three other areas in Melbourne’s north and west to tackle homelessness through a new initiative.
On Thursday, July 11, the state government outlined its Homes First program, which is designed to support hundreds of homeless Victorians to get their own homes.
As part of the program, the government will invest $48 million to help 500 households over the next three years access long-term housing and support.
The program would aim to support people to find a safe and secure home first and then access services to help sustain the tenancy, the government said.
Charity Melbourne City Mission has been selected to deliver the program in Melton.
Melton, as well as Brimbank and Hume, was identified as needing more support services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of sleeping rough.
Housing Minister Harriet Shing said the program would encapsulate a variety of measures to get people secure accommodation for the long term.
“Homes First will provide practical, on-the-ground support to hundreds of Victorians right across the state,” she said.
“This is an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness – because we know that having secure, stable housing with wraparound supports leads to better outcomes across the board.”
Ms Shing noted that homelessness was a multifaceted issue and there was a lot to consider when helping those impacted by it.
“Finding people a place to call home is one part of breaking the cycle of homelessness, the other is making sure they have the support they need to thrive,” she said.
Those eligible for help would receive responsive and flexible assistance, including counselling for mental health, drug and alcohol, and financial issues as well as aid for those experiencing family violence under the program.
At least 10 per cent of Homes First funding will be targeted towards Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
