$3.2m for rough sleepers

-

A $3.2 million State funding package has been unveiled to assist people sleeping rough in Greater Dandenong.

Under the program, outreach workers will connect rough sleepers to supportive housing teams.

They will be housed in seven new modular homes and helped in maintaining a home and re-establishing ties with the community.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said no one would choose to be homeless if there were better options.

“We’re helping the members of our community who are sleeping rough to find a pathway off the streets and into housing.”

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the program was designed to break the cycle of homelessness.

“Homelessness can be the result of a number of complex issues. These support workers will help rough sleepers get emergency accommodation and ongoing help.”

The program partners are the State Government, City of Greater Dandenong and service providers Launch Housing and NEAMI National.

It is part of a $17 million rough sleepers’ package by the State Government.