Advocacy Priorities
At the 2021 census, there were 4,555 people experiencing homelessness in the South East. And sadly, we expect it will rise again in the 2026 count.
The South East Homelessness and Housing Alliance wants a future for our region where tailored support services and diverse housing options meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong.
As an alliance of local governments and service providers, we know what it takes to end homelessness in our community. That’s why we’re asking for priority investment in four areas of greatest need for the South East.
SEHHA calls on the Victorian Government to:
Increase specialist homelessness service funding to meet service demand and fill service gaps across the South East
Casey and Greater Dandenong had the highest numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria in the 2021 Census. It is clear that homelessness in Victoria is not just an inner city issue, and people experiencing homelessness in the outer South East need homelessness services in the region to be funded adequately so they can access the assistance they need to end homelessness and get back on track..
SEHHA also calls on the Victorian Government to make the following specific investments in the region:
1. Fund assertive outreach services to reduce rough sleeping in the South East to Zero
Between 2016 and 2021, homelessness increased by 22% in Greater Dandenong, 45% in Casey and 53% in Cardinia. The SEHHA has a clear ambition to reduce rough sleeping to zero across all three communities, but currently the Casey and Cardinia regions have no dedicated assertive outreach to allow services to reach people sleeping rough and expand on the success of the Dandenong Zero Project.
2. Fund a new crisis supported accommodation facility to service Casey and Cardinia
Approximately 50-60% of Housing Establishment Funding for the South East is currently being spent on emergency hotel accommodation - a costly and often unsuitable solution for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. A purpose-built crisis supported accommodation facility in Casey or Cardinia will fill a critical regional gap and ensure people in crisis can access support close to home.
3. Fund the establishment of a homelessness service access point in Cardinia
Without a local access point, people in Cardinia are more likely to present later and with more complex circumstances, increasing pressure on crisis services and neighbouring LGAs. Establishing a homelessness service access point in Cardinia would enable earlier intervention for people experiencing homelessness, improve continuity of support, and strengthen the entire South East homelessness system.
The South East is ready to partner with funders to deliver these solutions for our region.
To read more about the needs of the South East and the SEHHA’s Advocacy Priorities, click the button below.
