Amid the financial turmoil of the coronavirus health pandemic, the Victorian government has announced a $150 million funding package to support the state’s most vulnerable, which homelessness advocates say could help end homelessness.
On Tuesday 28 July, the Andrews Government revealed it would rollout the From Homelessness to a Home package, addressing the needs of those experiencing housing instability and homelessness, and helping them find safe and secure accommodation.
Revealed on the government’s social media feeds, the funding will support a move from temporary to long-term housing, covering the leases of more than 1,000 private rental properties.
It would also provide tailored assistance to each tenant, including mental health, drug and alcohol and family violence support services.
As Melburnians obey physical distancing rules they’re reminded that not everyone is lucky enough to have homes to stay in. Picture: Getty
The government also announced it would cover these accommodation arrangements until April 2021, with funding to be delivered to metropolitan and regional homelessness agencies.
The pandemic has changed homelessness in Melbourne
When it comes to the way homelessness has shifted during the health crisis, the numbers are confronting. According to Launch Housing chief executive officer Bevan Warner, homelessness figures have risen 25%, with people being pushed out of couch-surfing arrangements due to physical distancing.
Mr Warner told realestate.com.au, his organisation was also worried about a second wave of homelessness once the federal government stimulus support reduces or ceases entirely early next year.
“This announcement provides the promise of a permanent home and support for the 2000 people who are the most vulnerable in our community and that’s a wonderful morale boost for our clients and workers who have been living with daily uncertainty,” Mr Warner said.
He wanted to see all levels of government work together to ensure there’s enough funding in place to support those in need, which he says will also assist the economy in general to recover.
“Housing is the foundation for a productive and dignified life. Without a home, people can’t think about getting back into work or training or address their physical and mental health needs. They’re concentrating on survival 24/7,” he said.
“A pipeline of social housing will prop up the economy and support jobs, and it will also produce an enduring social benefit
“The virus has shown us that our own health is intimately connected to the health of the person next to us and that everyone needs shelter.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to turn this crisis into a positive and be a world leader for ending homelessness. We know we can do it.”
“Homelessness isn’t an identity”
The COVID-19 pandemic has helped the broader community become more aware of the plight of those in insecure housing, Mr Warner said.
“We’re noticing an increase in empathy as the general community is confronted with their own insecurity and anxiety about the world or their economic security because one or more in a family are in economic stress,” he said.
“They’re thinking about the four walls they’re in and worrying about the world and this is creating a cross-over connection to being concerned for others.”
Launch Housing chief executive officer Bevan Warner wants governments to use the crisis as an opportunity to solve homelessness. Picture: Supplied / Launch Housing
Mr Warner said people experiencing homelessness have largely faced hardship that could include previously undisclosed childhood abuse, the death of a partner or the loss of a small business.
“There’s no one entry or exit into homelessness. Homelessness isn’t an identity, it’s an experience people have,” he said.
“While we can’t prevent every experience of trauma or bad luck or violence in our community, we can make sure the experience of homelessness is a one-off and of a short duration.”
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