Community Housing Industry Association Victoria says new census data showing a rise in homelessness across the state highlights the desperate need for the government to continue building more social and affordable housing.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 30,660 people were homeless in Victoria during the 2021 census, about a 24 per cent increase since 2016.
CHIA Vic acting CEO Jason Perdriau encouraged the Victorian Government to continue making historic investments in social housing.
“There’s not much more important in life than having a safe home yet close to 31,000 people in Victoria have been living without one,” Mr Perdriau said.
“These figures prove how vital it is for our state to continue building more social and affordable homes.
“To end homelessness in Victoria, we need a clear, long-term funding pipeline for social and affordable housing beyond the Big Housing Build.
“Since the census, the Big Housing Build has and will continue to improve the lives of thousands of Victorians but regrettably that funding dries up next year. There’s also a risk that From Homelessness to a Home (H2H) will end within months – a program that has proven effective in helping more than 2,000 Victorians who had been experiencing chronic homelessness.
“As we edge closer to the budget and the end of these life changing programs, now’s the time for the government to invest $6 billion in a ten-year program that will continue the momentum of the Big Housing Build, and to invest in keeping H2H going beyond the end of June.
“The Victorian Government has set a precedent for historic, life changing initiatives that can end homelessness. Our leaders can’t let their progress fade away.”
