This week (7-13 August) is National Homelessness Week, which aims to raise awareness about people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and the actions required for long-term solutions.
People experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness, are among Australia’s most socially and economically disadvantaged. The experience of homelessness, even for short periods, can have serious, long-term effects on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. For many people experiencing homelessness, it is more than the physical experience of sleeping rough on the streets – it is often ‘hidden’ and can include living in temporary accommodation such as hotels, cars, rooming houses, couch-surfing or overcrowded communal housing.
Homelessness in Monash
Homelessness is a national problem, and we can see its impact in Monash. Census data from 2021 reveals that on Census night, an estimated 1,696 people were experiencing homelessness in Monash. This includes women and children escaping family violence, people with disabilities and pensioners.
Council acknowledges increasing rates of homelessness in Monash and recognises that it exists in many forms . We know that, now more than ever, homelessness can happen to anyone at any point in their lives and action must be taken.
What is Monash doing to reduce homelessness?
Council believes that housing is a human right and that everybody deserves access to safe, secure and affordable housing. Homelessness is a growing issue requiring a coordinated response along with innovative, long-term solutions.
We are committed to reducing homelessness by providing information and referrals for people requiring support, organising outreach support to rough sleepers, building awareness of the issue, and advocating for more and better social housing and homelessness services. We also plan for housing growth and identify suitable areas for social and affordable housing development.
Some specific ways we’re working towards this include:
Draft Affordable Housing Strategy 2023: Our draft strategy demonstrates a clear case for taking action on the reform of policy settings that impact housing affordability, and increase the provision of affordable housing in Monash. We are seeking community feedback on our draft strategy on Shape Monash before 25 August.
Outreach and information support: The Monash Youth Services team provides assertive outreach to community members. The team engages directly with community members who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness to provide them with material aid such as food, clothing and sleeping bags, as well as information and supported referrals to housing services, and access to showers.
Regional Local Government Charter for Homelessness and Social Housing: Monash Council initiated and continues to convene a Charter group that meets regularly to connect 13 metropolitan councils to address the urgent need for increased social housing and a more effective, integrated and supported homelessness system.
Social Housing Framework (2020-2025): Our framework guides Council’s efforts to address homelessness and the housing affordability crisis and to influence an increase in the supply of social housing, primarily through outreach and advocacy. Council has identified three Council-owned areas of land as potential sites to be considered for the development of social housing.
Homelessness among older women: Monash is among six eastern metropolitan councils to share $180,000 in Victorian Government funding for a project undertaken by the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance to develop strategies to prevent homelessness among older women.
Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance: Monash Council is a member of the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance. The Alliance advocates for increased affordable housing in the eastern metropolitan region to respond to current and future housing needs.
Advocacy: We advocate to other levels of government and the private sector for investment in suitable housing. We also plan for population growth and identify suitable areas for social and affordable housing development.
Monash Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025: The Monash Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 has dedicated actions and initiatives that directly address homelessness.
Where can I get help if I’m homeless or at risk?
- If you are in Monash and you’re at risk of homelessness, currently experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, and you require information or support, call Monash Youth Services on 9518 3900 to speak with our Homelessness Support Worker.
- If you have been threatened or are fearful for yourself, a child, or family member – call 000 immediately.
