State Government to invest $209 million in building new homes to fight homelessness

VincentCare has welcomed today’s State Government election promise to build an additional 1000 public housing properties.

VincentCare’s Senior Practitioner, Doug Harding, said housing was a human right and this announcement goes some way to advancing that principle.

“No one should be homeless or in housing crisis due to a lack of available and affordable housing. Providing stable housing is a human right.”

If re-elected, the government will invest $209 million over three years to build 800 one and two-bedroom properties and 200 three-bedroom properties, providing homes for around 1800 Victorians around the state. The government will also be replacing up to 2500 old public housing properties with modern, comfortable, energy efficient and secure properties.

VincentCare welcomes this announcement that will benefit Victorians escaping from family violence and experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Family violence is a major contributor to homelessness and these larger three-bedroom properties will be suitable for families, helping women escape violent relationships and build a new life with a stable home for their children.

Premier Daniel Andrews said that no one should be forced to stay in a violent relationship because they have nowhere else to go.

“These new public housing properties will help women and kids find a home and start a new life, safe from family violence.”

The new properties will be built in Geelong and Ballarat, as well as Darebin, Maribyrnong, Stonnington and Whitehorse council areas in Melbourne.