Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane today announced $860,000 in funding for a new program to provide targeted support and stronger services for people sleeping rough in Maroondah.

The Andrews Labor Government is working closely with the City of Maroondah and service provider Wellways to deliver the program, which includes teams of outreach workers who will proactively link homeless people with services.

This work is part of a $17 million rough sleepers’ package by the Andrews Labor Government that will use a variety of approaches – including assertive outreach teams, supportive housing teams and the construction of new modular homes – to deliver improved support for vulnerable Victorians across the state.

The rough sleepers’ package is part of the Labor Government’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan.

Launched in January 2018, the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan includes more than $45 million in initiatives to help break the cycle of homelessness.

Quotes from Minister for Housing Richard Wynne

“We’re taking targeted support directly to rough sleepers, in a bid to break the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable Victorians and help them get back on their feet.”

“Homelessness can be the result of a number of complex issues. These support workers will help rough sleepers get emergency accommodation and ongoing help.”

Quotes from Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane

“No-one would choose to be homeless if there were better options. We’re helping the members of our community who are sleeping rough to find a pathway off the streets and into housing.”