Whittlesea council is striving to raise awareness about the pressing issue of homelessness in the municipality.
As part of Homelessness Week, which runs from August 7-13, the council is advocating for a resolution to the growing number of people without homes,
According to council, there are at least 854 people in Whittlesea who are homeless and many thousands more suffering from housing stress and at risk of becoming homeless.
Council said this is being exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Council’s chair administrator, Lydia Wilson, said that while street homelessness is the most visible form, it makes up only a small percentage of the overall homeless population.
“Homelessness is a complex issue, and can take many forms, with people resorting to couch surfing, living in cars, or relying on temporary accommodation,” Ms Wilson said.
“Homelessness can strike anyone at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, such as relationship breakdowns, job losses, or the death of a loved one.
“Our research indicates an urgent need for at least 3600 affordable homes in the municipality. We have embedded affordable housing in our planning policy to encourage property developers to build diverse housing types and are actively exploring ways we can support future applications for affordable housing. We are also looking at opportunities where council land can be used for social and affordable housing. At the same time council continues to advocate to the state government for an increase and improvement in the supply of social and affordable housing in our municipality.”
Council is seeking expressions of interest from community housing organisations to develop and manage new affordable homes on council-owned land at Ashline Street in Wollert.
Council has also partnered with Hope Street Youth and Family Services and the state government who are constructing accommodation in South Morang to house people aged between 16 and 25 who need short-term crisis accommodation.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness, help is available through the following services:
Haven Home Safe – City of Whittlesea
Haven Home Safe can assist with homelessness, housing crisis, and financial stress.
Phone: 1300 428 364, 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday or statewide after-hours service on 1800 825 955 (5pm – 9am)
Frontyard Youth Services
Frontyard provide multidisciplinary holistic programs to meet the needs of young people aged 12 to 24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Phone: 1800 800 531
The Salvation Army Crisis Services
Homeless service open 24 hours.
Phone: 1800 627 727
