Brimbank City Council welcomes funding from the Victorian Government to provide a new homelessness outreach service in Brimbank.
The announcement was part of a $27.8 million package from the government for assertive outreach services across Victoria.
As well as locally-based support workers who will help people into secure and stable housing, there will also be additional emergency accommodation, health and social care – services which may typically have been out of reach for people experiencing homelessness.
The numbers of people experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough in Brimbank has been increasing in recent years and with limited specialist services available, it has put growing pressure on Council and the community.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Virginia Tachos said with homelessness rising at an alarming rate, it was important for Brimbank to have its own dedicated homelessness response.
“Unfortunately, our community has some of the highest levels of rough sleeping in Melbourne’s West.
“Tackling homelessness is a top priority for our Council. Last year, we adopted our Statement of Commitment aimed at encouraging State and Federal governments to strengthen co-ordination, expand outreach and provide more practical support.
“The Victorian Government has responded to our staunch advocacy and provided this additional support, but there’s still plenty of work yet to be done to close the gaps and ensure vulnerable people in our community receive the help they need.
“Homelessness is a crisis and especially here in Brimbank. Sadly, many people in our community tonight will be sleeping rough, couch surfing or in insecure housing. We all need to continue working together to try and eliminate homelessness for good.”
