 | Tenants in community and public housing and those on waiting lists will receive better support to help them find and keep a home of their own, under a new program unveiled by Housing Minister Candy Broad.
Speaking in Parliament today, Ms Broad released details of the new Social Housing Advocacy and Support Program (SHASP), which will commence on 1 January 2006.
“The Bracks Government believes that every Victorian is entitled to decent services, and that means people who are having trouble with their housing situation should get the help they need,” Ms Broad said.
“We know that a stable home is important to help people keep their lives on track, so the new program will ensure that tenants receive specific and practical help to establish a trouble-free tenancy.
“Older tenants will be the top priority for support workers under the new program, as seniors make up 40% of public housing tenants and can have stronger support needs.”
The new SHASP will help tenants and housing applicants most in need by providing extensive, longer-term and ongoing support for complex issues, and efficient, speedy referrals for more straightforward problems.
Under the new program, social housing tenants will receive specific and practical help to sustain their tenancies, including:
·Developing plans to repay rent arrears, including referrals to financial counsellors where required,
·Referring tenants to expert services to address family breakdown, mental health issues and disability support, and
·Helping tenants to overcome literacy and language difficulties that prevent them understanding and responding to contact from the Office of Housing.
Eleven non-government agencies that have a demonstrated capacity to deliver intensive support and case co-ordination have been selected to deliver the program in local areas around the state.
The Tenants Union of Victoria will continue to be funded to deliver a strong and efficient centrally-based advocacy service.
SHASP replaces the previous Public Housing Advocacy Program (PHAP). Indexed funding for the new program will increase slightly, from $5.7 million in 2004-05 for PHAP, to $5.9 million in 2005-06 for SHASP.
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