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Giving Rough Sleepers In St Kilda A Helping Hand

01 December 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is tackling homelessness in the City of Port Phillip by funding extra outreach workers to connect rough sleepers with housing and other support services.

Minister for Housing Martin Foley today announced $280,000 to support Sacred Heart Mission in partnership with Launch Housing to create a skilled assertive outreach and engagement team.

Outreach workers are on-the-ground support staff who seek out Victorians experiencing homelessness and connect them with safe, affordable and long-term housing.

The team – to commence its work before Christmas – will include two new outreach workers to help people sleeping rough at Sacred Heart Mission. The funding will support a comprehensive response which includes head-leasing and brokerage.

Sacred Heart Mission will lead the service in collaboration with Launch Housing, Port Phillip Housing Association and the City of Port Phillip. The team will work across both Sacred Heart Central in Grey St and Sacred Heart Women’s House in St Kilda.

It’s modelled on successful initiatives in Melbourne’s CBD which have together supported more than 200 rough sleepers into housing.

Brotherhood of St Laurence Executive Director Tony Nicholson is leading the development of a long-term strategy to tackle rough sleeping and boost the supply of supportive housing through new community partnerships.

Mr Nicholson’s findings will be made public in a report early next year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Martin Foley

“Having a roof over your head is something every Victorian deserves – and this funding will go some way to give a helping hand to those in the City of Port Phillip who need it the most.”

“We are working hard to better support people sleeping rough in Melbourne’s CBD and right across our suburbs and towns.”

Quote attributable to Sacred Heart Mission CEO Cathy Humphrey

"There is a complex issue of people sleeping rough in the Port Phillip area, including on our doorstep. We will continue working closely with government and council to help address it.”

Quote attributable to Launch Housing Deputy CEO Heather Holst

“Launch Housing is pleased to partner with Sacred Heart Mission to address homelessness in and around the City of Port Phillip, and these outreach workers will do critical work to change lives.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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