More men in custody at risk of homelessness will have access to transitional housing thanks to a $14.4 million funding boost from the Allan Labor Government.
The Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility (MCRF) provides secure temporary housing to men who have either served their sentences or have qualified for parole and are ready to transition back into the community.
Men supported by the MCRF are 30 per cent less likely to re-offend when compared to those leaving prison without similar housing supports.
Placements at the facility are temporary, with an aim to help residents into long-term accommodation and ensure they have the best chance of getting their lives back on track.
With stable accommodation, the men have a chance to break the cycle of reoffending as they focus on long term goals like finding work, family reunification and addressing health issues.
The facility provides 42 single-room accommodation, shared communal facilities, living areas, kitchen, administrative offices and outdoor areas. All residents are risk-assessed based on their offending history and behaviour prior to release.
Since the MCRF opened in 2020, more than 250 men have used it to transition into long-term housing and employment, helping them stay away from further crime.
Ongoing investment from the Labor Government means the MCRF can continue helping more men leaving prison to the break the cycle of reoffending - ultimately keeping the community safe in the long and short term.
For more information about the MCRF visit www.corrections.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Acting Minister for Corrections Jaclyn Symes
"We know that people leaving prison are more likely to reoffend if they can't find stable housing, and that's where facilities like the Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility come in."
"By investing in facilities like the MCRF we are giving men leaving prison a better chance to get jobs, get healthy and break the cycle of crime - which means a safer Victoria for everyone."
As stated by MCRF Operations Manager Danielle Ricciardi
"This funding will help us to continue providing evidence based, best practice support to tackle the key factors that we know contribute to recidivism - homelessness and unemployment."
"We have found that MCRF residents are 30 per cent less likely to return to prison than those who did not have access to similar support - we are so pleased to be able to keep helping these men turn their lives around."
