NEW HOMES TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE VICTORIANS

Rough sleepers in regional and outer metro areas will have better access to housing and support services with modular homes planned for three new sites across Victoria.

Minister for Housing, Martin Foley today announced the 19 new modular homes at Bacchus Marsh, Norlane and Dandenong through the Towards Home program.

The modular homes offer supportive housing options for vulnerable rough sleepers and are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $45 million Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan released in January this year.

The Towards Home program has already delivered 30 temporary modular homes constructed across five sites, including Preston, Reservoir, Chadstone, Doveton and Brighton.

The new modular site locations in Dandenong, Norlane and Bacchus Marsh are currently being finalised and tenders for service providers are now open at tenders.vic.gov.au.

Tenders are also open for the Action Plan’s $19 million assertive outreach program, which will see teams established in seven high need areas across Victoria – including Dandenong.

The assertive outreach teams will put workers on the ground to actively seek out and engage with people experiencing homelessness, to help them access emergency accommodation, health services and ongoing case management.

The Labor Government has provided more than $1 billion in homeless and housing support.