The Andrews Labor Government is making our community safer by helping those in contact with the justice system get their lives back on track and creating secure, stable housing with wrap-around services as part of a $500 million social housing boost.
This has included $42 million from the Maintenance Stimulus Package to create 250 bedrooms across 16 projects in Melbourne and regional Victoria, making the community safer by tackling one of the major factors in reoffending.
The projects are due to be completed by mid-2022 and include housing options designed to meet the needs of women with children, Aboriginal men and people requiring drug and alcohol treatment.
More than $4.6 million will see new self-contained units built at two Annie North Haven sites in the Greater Bendigo area, providing specialised accommodation for women as they transition to long-term housing and back into the community.
EACH Housing's supervised rehabilitation facility in the Yarra Ranges Shire area will be expanded thanks to almost $2.3 million, with residents able to access drug and alcohol counselling and other vital supports they need.
In addition, the Victorian Budget 2021/22 is providing more than $10 million to extend service delivery for the next financial year at a community residential facility in the Maribyrnong council area.
It provides residents with housing stability and program supports, such as employment and vocational training, that encourage successful reintegration into the community. Providing short-term accommodation for men exiting the prison system who would otherwise be homeless has been crucial to reduce this risk of reoffending.
Since it opened in June 2020 almost 70 men have had short-term accommodation and program supports following release from prison.
As stated by Minister for Corrections Natalie Hutchins
"We know just how important a safe and stable home is when it comes to breaking the cycle of reoffending and getting lives back on track. More roofs over heads means less offending, fewer victims and a safer community."
"When you're not worrying about where you'll sleep, rehabilitation becomes a lot easier. Having a home is the vital first step towards becoming part of the community again - and that's good for everyone."
