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The Victorian Government has established a $150 million package designed to get the state's homeless into homes as the outbreak of COVID-19 in Melbourne continues.
Much of the State's ability to get on top of the outbreak in Melbourne hinges on the city's residents remaining at home, but that is difficult if you don't have a home to stay at in the first place.
The funding will help more than 2,000 Victorians out of homelessness and into their own homes and follows the State's move at the beginning of the pandemic to move people into vacant hotels.
That hotel accommodation program will also be expanded under the 'From Homelessness to a Home' package until at least April next year.
"This pandemic has laid bare many inequalities you can't stay home if you don't have one and you can't wash your hands regularly if you don't have access to the bare basics of hot water and soap," says Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
"This is our opportunity to help break the cycle of homelessness because now more than ever, home means stability, security and safety."
Under the program the State Government will arrange to lease 1,100 properties from the private rental market, providing a permanent home for people once they leave emergency accommodation.
In addition, the first of Victoria's promised 1,000 new social housing units are coming online now and will be used to support people to transition out of homelessness.
In addition to housing, Victoria will give those enrolled into the program access to mental health, drug & alcohol and family violence support for those that need it.
The funding will be allocated to homelessness agencies in both metropolitan and regional areas in order for tailored and responsive services to be delivered based on the needs of individuals.
Updated at 10:29am AEST on 28 July 2020.
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