The Andrews Labor Government is providing more help to flood-affected residents of Campaspe and Mitchell Shires by expanding the Homes at Home program, getting people back to their properties and supporting their recovery.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes visited Seymour today to announce the expansion to allow eligible residents in the two new shires to be able to keep living on their properties while their homes are repaired.
Coordinated by Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), the expanded Homes at Home program will see caravans delivered to properties in the Campaspe and Mitchell Shires.
Caravans will be made available for up to three years, to ensure residents have secure housing while repairs are carried out. Each caravan comes fitted out with the amenities people need to feel at home like a kitchen and a television.
Homes at Home is available to property-owners in Campaspe, Mitchell and Greater Shepparton whose primary place of residence was made uninhabitable by the floods. The program will prioritise residents who were uninsured for flood and are facing financial hardship.
To be eligible, flood-affected residents must complete a free structural assessment through the State-coordinated Clean-up Program to get an idea of the scale of damage to properties and whether they're safe to live in or use.
Around 200 displaced Victorians continue to be supported by ERV in temporary accommodation across the state.
Tailored support through the Flood Recovery Support Program is also available to every flood-affected Victorian, including a single point of contact through a Recovery Support Worker who can help with information, support, and advice.
They can also connect residents with business supports, financial help, and mental health and wellbeing support which are delivered through Anglicare and MIND.
Interested residents in the Campaspe, and Mitchell Shires, and Greater Shepparton can visit vic.gov.au/homesathome to see the full eligibility criteria and register their interest.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"We know a vital part of recovery is getting flood-affected residents living back in their communities. We are responding to the unique needs of each community while keeping a roof over people's heads."
"The recovery journey is long, and every flood-affected resident has unique needs - that's why we'll keep supporting those who have been through so much."
As stated by ERV CEO Mariela Diaz
"Living away from home after an emergency can be very stressful, especially if it is for a long time. Through Homes at Home, ERV is helping people get back to their properties and back together with their communities.
"We're proud to support the expansion of Homes at Home, because we know how important it is for residents to live on their properties while they do critical repairs or rebuild, so they can finally get back into their homes."
