May 2008

New approach to housing homeless

A groundbreaking partnership between the Government and Melbourne company Grocon will see a $50 million supportive housing facility for long-term homeless people built in Melbourne.

Premier John Brumby said the development, to be located at 660 Elizabeth Street on the edge of the CBD, would provide a home for up to 120 people with the support of health services, training and employment help on-site.

‘This Government is taking action to reduce disadvantage and we understand that for people who are chronically homeless, housing alone is not the answer,’ Mr Brumby said.

‘They also need to be close to the right type of support services and that is exactly what will be provided through this groundbreaking approach to supportive housing.

‘Homeless people often have complex needs, poor health and possibly substance abuse problems that can result in little if any connection to the community or their family.

‘By using a supportive housing model, residents here will be supported long-term, not be bouncing in and out of the emergency health system, the justice system and a range of social services without ever making real progress.

‘This type of housing model recognises that people need a home first, followed by time to address personal issues that can lead to their homelessness.’

Mr Brumby said that the supportive housing approach was based on the successful New York model called Common Ground and was made possible thanks to the generous input of Grocon Chief Executive Officer Daniel Grollo, who had agreed to construct the development at cost.

Mr Brumby was joined by Housing Minister Richard Wynne, Mr Grollo, Yarra Community Housing and the service provider HomeGround, to unveil plans for Victoria’s first supportive housing building.