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Safe Spaces program launches at Ozanam House
A new daytime Safe Spaces program is now operating at Ozanam House, providing people sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness in Melbourne with a safe, inclusive place to rest, connect and access practical support.
Delivered by VincentCare Victoria with funding from the City of Melbourne, the program operates from Ozanam House’s Homelessness Resource Centre responds to identified gaps in daytime support for people experiencing homelessness across the city.
Safe Spaces recognises that people experiencing homelessness need more than food and shelter. They also need somewhere they can feel safe, respected and connected while accessing the support they need to work towards more permanent solutions.
The program provides a daily hot breakfast and lunch, as well as showers, laundry, recovery spaces and other essential amenities. In the first two weeks VincentCare saw almost three times as many people accessing the breakfast service proving stronger engagement with people who may not otherwise access traditional support services and connect them with pathways to housing, health and longer-term support.
Notably, it also provides inclusive spaces for women and LGBTQIA+ community members, helping create an environment where more people can feel comfortable accessing support.
By providing a welcoming daytime space, Safe Spaces will allow the VincentCare team to build stronger relationships with people who may not otherwise engage with traditional support services and connect them with pathways to housing, health and longer-term support.
Early feedback from clients and partners has been overwhelmingly positive.
VincentCare is one of two organisations selected by the City of Melbourne to deliver their new enhanced Homelessness Program. The City of Melbourne has committed $4.8 million of funding over seven years for Safe Space Program.
This investment is a recognition of the outstanding work our VincentCare teams have been doing for many years.
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Delivered by VincentCare Victoria with funding from the City of Melbourne, the program operates from Ozanam House’s Homelessness Resource Centre responds to identified gaps in daytime support for people experiencing homelessness across the city.
Safe Spaces recognises that people experiencing homelessness need more than food and shelter. They also need somewhere they can feel safe, respected and connected while accessing the support they need to work towards more permanent solutions.
The program provides a daily hot breakfast and lunch, as well as showers, laundry, recovery spaces and other essential amenities. In the first two weeks VincentCare saw almost three times as many people accessing the breakfast service proving stronger engagement with people who may not otherwise access traditional support services and connect them with pathways to housing, health and longer-term support.
Notably, it also provides inclusive spaces for women and LGBTQIA+ community members, helping create an environment where more people can feel comfortable accessing support.
By providing a welcoming daytime space, Safe Spaces will allow the VincentCare team to build stronger relationships with people who may not otherwise engage with traditional support services and connect them with pathways to housing, health and longer-term support.
Early feedback from clients and partners has been overwhelmingly positive.
VincentCare is one of two organisations selected by the City of Melbourne to deliver their new enhanced Homelessness Program. The City of Melbourne has committed $4.8 million of funding over seven years for Safe Space Program.
This investment is a recognition of the outstanding work our VincentCare teams have been doing for many years.