People sleeping rough will have better and quicker access to support services thanks to a partnership between Yarra Ranges Council and Anchor.
They’ll work together on a new rapid response model to help people sleeping rough in the shire.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox said that Anchor housing support workers would be able to accompany council officers to offer support for people experiencing homelessness.
“We previously could hand out some information about services, but that left rough sleepers in the place of having to get in touch and organise an appointment,” he said.
“Thanks to this new partnership, we’ll be able to chat to people with an Anchor worker present, who will be able to offer support and some intensive case management to help get them back on their feet.”
Cr Cox said Homelessness Week, which runs during the first week of August, was a reminder that anyone in the community could experience homelessness.
“The issue of homelessness in the Yarra Ranges may not be completely hidden anymore, but there is still a stigma against people who are experiencing homelessness,” he said.
“The reality is that homelessness can affect people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and family situations.
“People also need to remember that those who are homeless or sleeping rough are just as entitled to be in public places and participate in public activities and events as anyone else in our community.
“We have to all work together and support one another to find the best way to help our community members while also breaking the cycle that can push people out onto the streets.”
The council’s partnership with Anchor will be funded through a four-year Community Partnership Grant, awarded last year.
Call Anchor on 9760 6400, email anchor.admin@anchor.org.au, or visit the office at the Box Hill Institute Lakeside Campus, Building LA, Level 2, above the new Lilydale Library.
