Housing and homelessness in Eastern Metropolitan Region
The Housing Program manages approximately 6,000 properties in EMR for people requiring low cost public rental housing. Many of these people have recurring homelessness issues or specific housing needs.
The program also funds Community Service Organisations (CSOs) through the Transitional Housing Management Program to manage transitional and crisis accommodation for people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. 530 properties (1,300 tenancies) are dedicated to this purpose.
In addition, a further 290 long-term housing units are managed by CSOs providing accommodation to over 500 tenants. CSOs funded through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program provide daily support to over 950 clients, providing an integrated approach to resolving the housing and support issues of households in housing crisis.
Significant growth in long-term community-managed housing is currently taking place through DHS funded Housing Associations. EMR Housing and Homelessness Services are working closely with Housing and Community Building Division and local Housing Associations, local government and CSOs in implementing this growth.
Implementation of the statewide Opening Doors project will enhance the Homelessness Front Doors system operating in EMR. This is an area based service coordination approach to providing timely access to homelessness and social housing services for people seeking assistance.
The Integrated Family Violence strategy supports women and children in line with recent policy directions, to promote an integrated, whole of government approach to addressing family violence.
Creating Connections, an initiative of the Youth Homelessness Action Plan Stage 2, has been implemented to improve housing and support outcomes for young people. The Youth Transitional Hub is a partnership with five regional services. The service coordination project has established a Youth Advisory Committee that aims to improve homelessness responses to young people in EMR by service mapping and coordination.
The Support for Young People that Really Counts interim project is a supported housing program for young people aged 15-25 in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. The ongoing project will be implemented this year.
