VIC Government Budgets $209M to build 1000 new homes

Approximately 1000 new public housing properties have been approved for funding by The Victorian Government in an effort to help get homeless people off the streets.

Homes will be built in the Geelong, Ballarat, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Stonnington and Whitehorse council areas as part of the multimillion-dollar boost from the State’s 2019/20 Budget.

The Better Apartments program will be rolled out to suburban areas with $4.6 million of funds, while an extra $8.9 million is allocated for servicing and replacing gas heaters in public housing.

$50.4 million will be spent to help homeless people find a place safe to stay, with additional on-site treatment services in crisis-support accommodation and private rental assistance for more than 6000 Victorians.

The investment will include 800 one and two-bedroom properties and 200 three-bedroom properties, providing homes for around 1,800 Victorians around the state.

Family violence is a major contributor to homelessness and these larger three-bedroom properties will be suitable for families, helping women escape violent relationships and build a new life with a stable home for their children.

“We know that women fleeing family violence often find themselves with nowhere to go – that’s why we’re prioritising them and their kids so they can get the shelter and the services they need.”

A further $103.5 million in matched funding will be provided through the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement to give funding certainty for 48 agencies delivering early intervention, housing and support services for homelessness prevention.

“Getting a job or studying is nearly impossible if you’re living on the street – we’re building more public housing to make sure Victorians get the opportunity to build a new life,” he said.