A new housing project in Shepparton will flip the script on the way traditional services have been offered to people experiencing chronic homelessness.
The new 15-unit permanent housing complex, announced this week, will be based on Housing First principles.
“We give you the housing first so, if nothing else, you have a stable, safe, long-term roof over your head,” said Beyond Housing chief executive officer Celia Adams.
Beyond Housing will lead development of the project, which Ms Adams said is a first-of-its-kind for regional Victoria.
The organisation is partnering with VincentCare, Primary Care Connect, and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative to provide wrap-around services for people moving into the units.
“It’s much easier to offer support to someone if you know where they are,” Ms Adams said.
“This is just a better way.”
Ms Adams said housing is not contingent on participating in, or accepting, services, but the approach works to help stabilise individuals who have been chronically homeless.
The project is funded by the Victorian Government’s $26 million Regional Supportive Housing Program and units are slated to be under construction by early next year.
Ms Adams said she’s thankful the government is supporting the need for housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
A streamlined planning consent process has fast-tracked the development, and planning approval has already been granted, according to Beyond Housing.
Units are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
State Member for Shepparton, Kim O'Keeffe, said she welcomed the project.
"This is a positive step acknowledging and addressing our housing shortage for the most vulnerable in our community, but more needs to be done to address our housing crisis," Ms O'Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe said homelessness is a significant issue in Greater Shepparton, and it’s devastating to see the rising numbers of people sleeping rough.
On any given night, 436 are homeless, a rate higher than in many other parts of the state.
The Beyond Housing team leading the new permanent supportive housing development aims to prove the Housing First model can work.
Ms Adams said the team also aims to build something appealing that people will be proud to call home, and which may prove that apartment living can work in regional Victoria.
Ms Adams said she hopes this model can be successful and replicable elsewhere in the region.