5th October, 2011
The Public Interest Law Clearing House VIC (PILCH) welcomed today’s announcement by the Victorian Government to provide $77 million to address homelessness issues in Victoria.
The package not only seeks to address the pressing need for the 20,500 homeless or in temporary accommodation every night, it also aims the tackle underlying causes that lead to homelessness. The funding includes a $25 million in funding for innovation projects across Victoria.
“This funding shows the government is committed to helping those who live on the margins in Victoria,” said James Farrell, Manager/Principal Lawyer of the PILCH Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic (HPLC).
“Beyond the 20,500 already homeless in Victoria, there are those who are living on the brink. 58% of people seeking accommodation are turned away each day. It’s a very real problem and acting now will prevent more people from slipping into poverty.”
The government has said they will invite key stakeholders and experts from relevant sectors to join a Ministerial Advisory Council on Homelessness. It’s critical that people who have experienced homelessness are represented.
“The issues facing those who are homeless in Victoria are complex, but solvable. Decisions about tackling this challenging social issue cannot be made without people who have been homeless at the table. We need their expertise, insight and imagination to truly solve this.”