More Support for Victorian Women At Risk Of Homelessness
More women at risk of or experiencing homelessness will have safe, secure housing thanks to funding from the Victorian Government.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne visited St Kilda Community Housing’s Beach House today, which has reopened after a full internal refurbishment. “Everyone deserves the safety and security of a roof over their head. This refurbishment will provide women at risk of or experiencing homelessness with the shelter, dignity and support they need to get ahead and thrive,” Mr Wynne said.
The Labor Government contributed $1.5 million to this project through the $10 million Community Sector Owned Rooming House Upgrade Program, which converts facilities with outdated models of shared communal living, bathroom and kitchen facilities into fully self-contained apartments. Mr Wynne added,“It’s part of our record investment in social housing and homelessness services that offer a life-changing helping hand to those at risk.”
At Beach House, the program has created 22 fully self-contained units that will provide women on a low income with modern, safe, affordable long-term accommodation.
In addition to the accommodation, St Kilda Community House runs a social enterprise that provides tenants with employment opportunities, such as gardeners, cleaners, maintenance staff and painters.
The social enterprise reconnects marginalised people with the workforce and develops the skills of tenants through training opportunities.
As well as St Kilda Community Housing, Unison and Port Phillip Housing Association also received funding under Rooming House Upgrade Program to upgrade their facilities.
The rooming house upgrades are part of a record investment in housing by the Labor Government, including the landmark Big Housing Build.
Work is now underway on this $5.3 billion program, which is the largest single investment in social and affordable housing ever by any government in Australia. The program will deliver more than 12,000 new homes and create an average of 10,000 jobs each year over the next four years.