The Victorian government is providing a funding boost for welfare organisations to assist people at risk of or experiencing homelessness because of coronavirus.
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The $6 million funding will provide agencies with extra resources to find temporary housing to make sure people experiencing homelessness and diagnosed with COVID-19 have somewhere safe to get well.
It will also go towards private rental brokerage for those at risk of falling into homelessness, helping to keep them in safe and affordable accommodation and reduce the risk of community transmission of the virus.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne said it was crucial to provide the most vulnerable people in our communities with the right advice and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The COVID-19 pandemic is going to have wide-ranging impacts across our community, but those experiencing homelessness who have nowhere else to go, will be hit particularly hard," he said.
"We're also making sure our public housing tenants have the information, advice and support they need to look after themselves during this pandemic."
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Centacare Ballarat general manager family and community service Deanna Davis said Centacare was pleased with the government's announcement to enable organisations to increase support during these challenging times.
"Organisations are yet to have clarified how the funds will be rolled out and what this will look like on the ground," she said.
"We will continue to support our homeless clients and have implemented planning on the service and support to those who may contract COVID-19 and assistance for them to be housed or maintain their current accommodation."
The government will also establish alternative pop-up accommodation for homeless people requiring quarantine or self-isolation in Melbourne, where the majority of cases are currently concentrated.
For more information visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 for advice if you are displaying symptoms.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
