Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s move to shore up funding for specialist homelessness services.
A new funding formula announced on Friday will provide ongoing certainty for the sector, which was facing frontline job losses and reduced homelessness services.
The government will index funding at 5.45% this year, meaning agencies can meet the cost of delivering crucial services for Victorians.
Legislated rises in superannuation, and portable long service leave were among the increased costs homelessness service providers faced.
Council to Homeless Persons CEO Deborah Di Natale welcomed the State Government’s response.
“This important announcement will mean fewer Victorians miss out on critical homelessness services which play an enormous part in the lives of thousands of people,” she said.
“With a funding shortfall looming, agencies were leaving positions unfilled because of rising costs.
“Victoria was looking at reductions in critical services and associated job losses.
“Thanks to this move, fewer people will be turned away from homelessness services and more people will be employed in crucial roles.
“Of course, the severity of the housing crisis means we need to do more, especially when it comes to building social housing.
“The Victorian Government has shown strong engagement with CHP, VCOSS and other peak bodies on indexing funding for services, so that’s a great sign for the upcoming housing statement.”