SEHHA Member Windermere’s Vision for a Stronger Homelessness Service System in the SE

What is the main reason Windermere joined SEHHA?

Windermere Child and Family Services joined the South East Housing and Homelessness Alliance (SEHHA) because we are deeply connected to the communities of Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong and recognise the value of working locally to respond to local need.

As a community service organisation, we get in early to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families, and SEHHA provides an important opportunity to strengthen that approach through collaboration with councils and key homelessness and housing services across the region.

The Alliance brings together a cross-section of partners including three local government areas and specialist service providers, creating a rare opportunity to align effort, share insight, and build more coordinated responses for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

What specific issue or challenge does Windermere hope SEHHA can address?

Windermere is focused on ensuring that people can access timely, place-based and practical support that reflects the unique needs of their local community. In areas such as Cardinia, Casey and Dandenong, we see growing demand alongside increasingly complex housing challenges. We are hoping SEHHA strengthens how local services work together so responses are not only coordinated but genuinely shaped by the realities of each community. A key priority is improving accessibility and early intervention, ensuring people do not fall through gaps in systems and can connect to support sooner before issues escalate.

What does a successful SEHHA look like to you?

Success for Windermere looks like stronger connection and collaboration across the homelessness and housing service system underpinned by shared purpose. In the next 6–12 months, we would like to see stronger pathways for people seeking support, improved coordination between services, and continued development of innovative, place-based solutions through the working groups particularly in high-need areas like Cardinia.

Ultimately, success is a more connected system where services work together, enabling timely support, and better outcomes for individuals and families across the region.