Photo: VincentCare Victoria

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley joined Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards in Bendigo today to announce that Haven Home Safe is one of eight organisations across the state that will receive $27 million in funding through phase two of the Labor Government’s Accommodation for Homeless program.

Haven Home Safe will use the funding to buy 15 properties in rural and regional areas including Bendigo, Mildura and Geelong.

These properties will house women and children escaping family violence, young people, those experiencing chronic homelessness in areas where they are most needed.

The Accommodation for Homeless program encourages partnerships across housing, homeless and community service organisations to reduce homelessness by increasing and improving the supply of crisis and long-term housing options in Victoria – particularly for those who need support to get their lives back on track.

Partnerships across all levels of government, the not-for profit and private sectors are essential to increase social housing and reduce homelessness.

Phase two of the project builds on the success of the initial phase which provided $25 million in funding for four projects in metropolitan Melbourne, supporting the same target groups. It will be used to deliver projects in both regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, providing 184 beds for people experiencing homelessness.

Haven Home Safe has been providing services to the homeless and disadvantaged for more than two decades, assisting thousands of people each year who are in housing crisis.

In addition to this program, $6.7 million will also be provided for critical upgrades to three rooming houses through the Labor Government’s Community Housing Rooming House Upgrades program.

The funding will upgrade rooming houses on Station Street in Fairfield, and Barkly Street and Little Grey Street in St Kilda, replacing shared living, bathroom and kitchen areas with self-contained accommodation.