- Minister for Housing
The Andrews Labor Government will match funds raised by the Aussie Dollar Drop fundraising event from voters at last year's state election, contributing $270,000 to the homeless.
The Aussie Dollar Drop invited voting Victorians to donate a dollar for the homeless at 200 booths on polling day, raising $70,000. A further $200,000 was donated by philanthropists.
The Labor Government will match the combined total and contribute an extra $270,000 directly towards homelessness support services.
The Aussie Dollar Drop organisation has nominated seven homelessness agencies to be funded:
- McAuley Community Services for Women
- Melbourne City Mission
- Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614
- Berry Street
- Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd
- Kids Under Cover
- The Big Issue.
Aussie Dollar Drop was established by Victorian radio personality Matt Tilley, to help as many homeless Australians as possible by funding a wide range of local organisations already working for the disadvantaged.
The Labor Government's investments to tackle homelessness include a $109 million package to assist 19,000 people who are homeless or at risk, and its $45.5 million Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan.
As stated by Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
"We're keeping our promise to match the funds raised by Aussie Dollar Drop. This money will help fund projects such as crisis accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence."
"These funds will go to projects and partner organisations at the coalface, who already know the sector and have developed programs and services to target needs."
As stated by Matt Tilley
"Thanks to all the generous donors and donations, from largest to smallest. Every dollar raised makes a difference to those great organisations already doing incredible work in the community."
