- Minister for Housing
People sleeping rough in Geelong will get a safe and secure roof over their heads, with seven new modular homes opened today.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne opened the self-contained units in Norlane which will allow vulnerable Victorians to get into stable housing as quickly as possible.
Service provider Neami National will manage the Norlane homes and a team of highly-trained staff will provide intensive support to tenants at the site, helping them move into permanent housing within two years.
The units are part of a $17 million rough sleepers' package from the Andrews Labor Government which includes 20 new units on three sites across Norlane, Dandenong and Bacchus Marsh.
The Norlane units are the first to be operational and residents can move in from next month. Seven modular units will provide accommodation to support staff and six tenants.
The 20 relocatable one-bedroom units are built to a high standard, with landscaping and fencing designed to ensure that tenants and residents feel these homes are a part of the community.
The rough sleepers' package also includes assertive outreach workers who have been active in Geelong since the program began in January.
These workers offer the first point of contact for rough sleepers, providing mobile assessments and support to around 120 people a year.
The rough sleepers' package is one part of the Labor Government's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan, which includes more than $45 million in projects to help break the cycle of homelessness.
As noted by Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
"Everyone deserves a place to call home. These units offer shelter for rough sleepers while the support of our housing teams will help individuals make the transition into permanent homes."
"Homelessness can be caused by a range of factors and our housing teams will help rough sleepers with their own individualised plans to address issues and rebuild their lives."
As noted by Member for Lara John Eren
"It's crucial we look after people doing it tough. It's great to see these innovative units which will help Geelong people break the cycle of homelessness."
"These units will give rough sleepers a roof above their heads and the help they need to move into permanent accommodation with the stability and safety that all Victorians deserve."
