Hume council has hosted a community event bringing together residents, service providers, and advocates to shine a light on the growing issue of homelessness, with the region recording a 25 per cent increase in people sleeping rough since 2016.
The event was held in the Hume Global Learning Centre in Broadmeadows on Thursday, August 7 as part of a national campaign which aimed to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness.
Thursday’s event focused on this year’s Homelessness Week theme of ‘Homelessness Action Now’. Conversations raised awareness about the urgent need for investment from state and federal government in the establishment of multiple service access points, with a focus on Sunbury and other high-growth areas.
Mayor Jarrod Bell said “Everyone in Hume deserves dignity, stability, and access to basic human rights.”
“This event was about listening to real stories from within our community and understanding the steps we must take to end homelessness.”
Ideas to flow from the event include culturally responsive homelessness services tailored to migrant communities and youth, assertive outreach to connect rough sleepers with healthcare and housing, and the development of best-practice crisis accommodation facilities offering short-term emergency housing and wraparound support to help residents transition into stable homes.
The event included a Q&A panel with representatives from local homelessness and health support services VincentCare, Juno, and DPV Health who shared insights on the challenges facing people in crisis and the support available.
To learn more about how council is supporting those experiencing homelessness visit hume.vic.gov.au/homelessness.
