Community Housing Industry Association Victoria said the Housing Australia Future Fund is a crucial long-term investment that the state is counting on to help ease the housing crisis.
The HAFF has funded more than 4,100 social and affordable homes across 35 projects in Victoria so far. Victoria has been the biggest beneficiary of the HAFF to date, receiving the largest share of funded homes out of all states and territories.
CHIA Vic chief executive Sarah Toohey said the HAFF represents a key component in solving the housing crisis puzzle.
"The homes built with HAFF funding will be life-changing not only for the Victorians who move in imminently, but also for future individuals and families who will build their lives there," Ms Toohey said.
"We need both the state and federal governments investing in this critical social infrastructure for decades to come, if we're going to turn the current housing crisis around.
"In Victoria alone, 146,000 households are in need of social housing - that's just to meet the demand of today. More social and affordable housing through funds like the HAFF is absolutely essential if we are to ever meet demand.
"The housing crisis has been decades in the making, so it needs long-term, sustained investment, including the HAFF, to create lasting solutions.
"We are extremely pleased to see more than 4,000 homes in the pipeline to ease housing pressures for low and moderate income renters, and provide affordable homes where they can put down roots.
"Victoria and the nation are relying on the HAFF. In fact we think the HAFF is indispensable and should be expanded to help more people escape rental stress, homelessness, and overcrowded and unsafe homes. The HAFF does more than providing homes for the people who need it most - it's important for jobs and for improving the liveability of our communities."
