Member’s Statement: Homelessness Week
Member’s Statement, given on the 5th of July, 2021.
This week is Homelessness Week. I find it astonishing that in an affluent country such as ours over 116 000 people experience homelessness on any given night.
Research has shown that secure and affordable housing is one of the most important factors in addressing any kind of social disadvantage. The recent royal commission into mental health again underscored the necessity of housing to improving people’s mental health. There can be no arguments about the need for social and affordable housing and the positive impacts it can have on people’s lives.
In Victoria only 3 per cent of housing stock is currently dedicated to social and affordable housing. I am therefore proud to be part of a government that is investing in the building of 12 000 social and affordable dwellings and creating over 10 000 jobs. One of these developments is in fact in my electorate of Hawthorn, in Bills Street, where 206 new dwellings will be built. The government is working hard with Victoria’s housing and homelessness sector to break the cycle of homelessness and provide housing support for Victorians. We are improving these lives and livelihoods in consequence.
End.
Housing is the foundation to a happy and healthy life. Rhonda’s story is one such example. Watch the video below to find out more.
Previously
Edition 55: 9 August 2021
August 12, 2021
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