The Victorian Government will build 1000 new public housing properties to help get people off of the streets.
Houses will be built in the Geelong, Ballarat, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Stonnington and Whitehorse council areas as part of a $209 million boost from the State’s 2019/20 Budget.
The Better Apartments program will also be extended to Melbourne’s suburbs through a $4.6 million commitment to improve the liveability and sustainability of apartments outside the CBD.
An additional $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.
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.
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$23.9 million will be spent to prioritise women and children escaping family violence and ensure they are able to receive the housing support they need.
The Budget will also include an additional $8.9 million to continue the Victorian Government’s gas heater servicing and replacement program for public housing.
Victorian Planning and Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the Victorian Government had previously promised to build 1000 homes for those who need it.
“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.
“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.”