Victoria Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell

$360,000 To Boost Homelessness Frontline Staff

Victor P Taffa

Six youth support agencies across Victoria will receive more than $360,000 in total funding for more frontline staff to help young people facing homelessness, Housing Minister Wendy Lovell announced today.

Ms. Lovell joined representatives of Melbourne Citymission (MCM) and young people currently living at MCM’s Youth Precinct in North Fitzroy to announce the additional funding as part of the Youth Reform Program, initiated in 2007.

The Youth Precinct currently provides a nine-bed Stopover Youth Refuge and the Step Ahead Program, which includes a youth foyer-like model with six beds onsite and 12 beds in the community. It also provides living skills and employment programs, and “The Academy” – an onsite school for up to 15 young people doing Year 12 equivalent.

“This facility aligns strongly with the Victorian Coalition Government’s approach to tackling homelessness through the Homelessness Action Plan, which aims to help people to live independently, participate socially and economically and reach their full potential.” Ms. Lovell said.

“It’s a real pleasure to be here today at MCM’s Youth Precinct to announce this funding and to tour the facility.”

“It’s a great approach to supporting young people experiencing homelessness and it’s a pleasure to meet both the staff and the young people using the high-quality support services provided here.”

“I’d also like to acknowledge the support the Youth Precinct has received from the local community, and to commend Melbourne Citymission and the young people who use the services here for creating and building on this relationship.” Ms. Lovell said.

Total annual funding of $360,384 will be made available as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to supporting young people at risk of homelessness.

The money will be used by support agencies to boost staff levels and enable further training for staff to provide individualised assistance for young people in areas such as independent living skills, and help them engage in education, employment and training.

The funding includes:

• $90,096 to MCM’s Youth Precinct in North Fitzroy,
• $90,096 to Peninsula Youth and Family Services in Frankston,
• $45,048 to Lisa Lodge in Wendouree,
• $45,048 to Brayton Child and Family Services in Shepparton,
• $45,048 to Mallee Accommodation and Support Program in Mildura,  
• $45,048 to Brophy Family and Youth Services in Warrnambool.

“We know that young people aged between 12 and 18 are more likely to be homeless than other age groups and those aged between 15 and 24 are the largest users of homelessness support services.” Ms. Lovell said.

“That’s why it’s so important they get the support they need to get back on track as soon as possible.”

“I’m looking forward to hearing more about the important work these agencies are performing in coming months.” Ms. Lovell said.