More than 570 LGBTIQA+ Victorians at risk of homelessness have received safe and inclusive housing support thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s Pride in Place program.
Minister for Housing and Equality Harriet Shing today visited Ozanam House Accommodation and Homelessness Resource Centre in North Melbourne to tour the centre and see the innovative Pride in Place program in action.
Led by VincentCare Victoria and Drummond Street Queerspace Services in partnership with Family Access Network and Uniting.Vic.Tas, Pride in Place currently operates right across Victoria.
Victorians who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer or asexual are twice as likely to be at risk of, or experience, homelessness.
In 2022 the Labor Government committed $3 million for a culturally safe and inclusive homelessness service to support LGBTIQA+ people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Since that time Pride in Place has provided support including crisis accommodation, flexible funds for rent and access to accommodation packages at Ozanam House.
It also engages LGBTIQA+ peer navigators with lived experience of homelessness to support program participants.
Pride in Place also engaged with the wider homelessness sector, providing consultations and training to 50 non-LGBTIQA+ services, building their ability to deliver safe and inclusive responses.
Pride in Place is part of the Labor Government’s 10-year Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-2032, striving for Victorian services to be equitable, inclusive and accessible for LGBTIQA+ communities.
As stated by Minister for Housing and Equality Harriet Shing
“Having safe, affirming support from staff and homelessness services who understand the nuances of being a member of the LGBTIQA+ community is vital to ensuring LGBTIQA+ Victorians can live an authentic and full life.”
As stated by the Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt
“Pride in Place has supported more than 570 LGBTIQA+ people right across Victoria – helping them get the support they need – whether that’s housing, crisis accommodation or financial support.”
As stated by CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Group Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM
“VincentCare believes equality, safety and respect are not negotiable and is proud to co-lead the Pride in Place consortium, which we know helps LGBTIQA+ community access housing in a safe and respectful way.”
As stated by CEO of Drummond Street Services Karen Field
“Pride in Place has enabled Queerspace Drummond Street Services to provide vital support to LGBTIQA+ folk with multiple intersecting identities in the housing sector where we know they are disproportionately disadvantaged.”
