More homes mean more opportunity - that's why Allan Labor Government is making sure young people in Mildura who leave out-of-home care are supported into independent living.
Minister for Housing Harriet Shing today visited three units in Mildura where young people aged 16 to 21 will be supported with leaving out-of-home care through the Government's Better Futures program.
Delivered in partnership with Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) as part of the $50 million Big Housing Build Youth Housing Program, the young people will have access to individualised support including coaching and development, education, and tenancy support.
In addition to these completed homes, the Labor Government is also partnering with MASP to build six homes in Mildura under the Government's $26 million Regional Supportive Housing Program. These will operate in partnership with Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Sunraysia Community Health Services.
The Regional Supportive Housing Program is the first permanent supportive housing program of its kind in regional Victoria for people who have experienced rough sleeping and need housing and support. It will help people get into long-term housing and ensure they get the support they need to get on in life.
Construction of the proposed homes is expected to start in December 2024, with completion anticipated in September 2025.
This is part of the Government's $47 million investment towards the City of Mildura to build 126 homes. Of the first 1,000 homes to be delivered under the Regional Housing Fund, a further 68 will also be built in the Mallee region.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 also grows investment into the homelessness system by $197 million over four years, to break the cycle of homelessness. This is on top of over $300 million invested into specialist homelessness services every year, to assist around 100,000 Victorians who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
The Government is also investing $150 million in a Regional Worker Accommodation Fund to provide new housing options for regional communities where key workers are struggling to find affordable places to live, on top of the $6.3 billion investment to ensure more social and affordable homes are built right across Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Housing Harriet Shing
"More homes means more opportunity, particularly for vulnerable Victorians who deserve the safety and dignity of a place to call their own."
"These projects are just some of the unique initiatives that we know are helping to break the cycle of homelessness, and to connect people with education, training, services and employment."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"With these specialised housing units and wrap-around support to go with it, we're helping young people in Mildura transition to independent living."
