More people in West Gippsland with complex mental health challenges now have access to safe and secure housing thanks to funding from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Housing Harriet Shing today visited a newly completed housing development in Drouin that provides accommodation to people living with mental health conditions who are at risk of homelessness.
The development - which has 16 one-bedroom, self-contained units - is the result of a partnership between Homes Victoria, Haven Foundation and Mind Australia. Homes Victoria has committed more than $3.7 million towards the project.
The homes will be allocated to applicants on the Victorian Housing Register who need help and support for often complex mental health needs. The homes will provide long-term accommodation, care and support services.
The development has been designed to create a sense of community, as well as providing on-site overnight facilities for qualified and experienced around-the-clock support staff.
It's all part of the Labor Government's investment to meet the high demand for social and affordable housing options across Victoria and get more people into safe and secure homes.
The Labor Government has also created a $1 billion Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 1,300 homes across regional Victoria. The new homes will include a mix of social and affordable housing, and the Government will work with councils, regional partnerships, and local communities to determine the locations and needs for each region.
Since the Big Housing Build began in November 2020, more than 9,200 homes have been completed or are underway. The Victorian Government will deliver more than 12,000 new homes and create more than 40,000 jobs through the Big Housing Build.
As stated by Minister for Housing Harriet Shing
"We're determined to continue our multi-billion dollar investment to build more Victorians homes they can be proud of, while also providing them with the support, opportunities and connection they deserve, particularly as our population grows."
"Every new home completed through our $6.3 billion investment changes the lives of Victorians for the better, improves our communities and creates tens of thousands of jobs."
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health system highlighted the need to provide more safe and stable housing for people living with mental health challenges - this is an important step in achieving this."
