Homelessness Week (1st – 7th August)
Homelessness Week (1st– 7th August) gives us the opportunity to raise awareness within the organization and the community. Homelessness Week is the annual awareness-raising week to highlight the 116,000 Australians who are homeless on any given night
This year the theme for Homelessness Week is Everybody Needs a Home and our call to advocate for more housing remains. Census 2021 provides an opportunity for all to feedback on the housing situation across Australia; there has been a large focus that has not been witnessed before to reach out to all that are experiencing the impacts of the housing crisis that has been intensified by the COVID pandemic.
Housing is indicated as a basic need in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and it is recognized by the UN as a basic right. There has been a lack of spending by State and Federal Governments in the last 20 years on social housing.
Homelessness week is one of two occasions that we are able to highlight the need for more housing to the general public. In September 2020 the Victorian Government announced a large injection of funds to the housing sector of a housing build of 1200 houses, and a large amount of funding to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. However, this is the tip of what is actually required with 80,000 people requiring a long-term home in the state. There is a need to get the Federal Government to step up and assist across Australia to provide further support to all states and territories in the area of social housing support and increased rent assistance, via welfare payments.
In 2021 as did in 2020 the week will be conducted remotely in a low-key manner, from 8th August through to the 15th August there will be a focus through outreach on the Census.
DPV Health’s Homelessness Support
The Homelessness Team at DPV Health, covering the Whittlesea Catchment and working out of Epping; provide case management to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The team work tirelessly to advocate on behalf of their clients for more housing and improved access to housing. Referral’s come from an external agency – Haven Home Safe, with a few select internally.
A client’s response to the support provided
“DPV Health’s homelessness support has impacted my life in the most positive way possible! Your organisation has provided me with housing stability, supporting me in reconnecting with my children which I’m forever grateful for. I have also had financial help which has helped my house feel like a home and given me the assistance to make sure my children have everything they need. I would also like to say the emotional support provided by my workers has been priceless, they are always there for me to talk about anything that’s on my mind and provide me with sound advice. I don’t know where I would be today without the help and support of DPV Health, they have changed my life for the better. I’m blessed to have them in my life.” – K
Case Managers take
“My role as a Case Manager in the Homelessness team involves providing advocacy and support to clients who have been made homeless or at risk of homelessness. Once housed, we support our participants to maintain their tenancies. We encourage and support their journey to achieve their unique life goals. We work from a client-centered and strengths-based perspective aiming to empower participants. We assist them in building life skills and arming them with the knowledge they require to ultimately gain independence.
Each one of our participants is different and has unique needs. Therefore, our day-to-day work can vary greatly. We provide emotional support, advice and advocacy. We do this in a non-judgemental and flexible manner, always promoting personal goals and engendering independence. Most of our participants are with us over the long term. This provides us with the unique opportunity to build rapport and meaningful long-term working relationships with participants. I feel honoured they allow me into their lives to hear their stories and be a part of their journey. My job is rewarding, full of diversity and opportunities to encourage and support my clients to make fundamental and practical changes in their lives. I feel honoured to be allowed to contribute and hopefully make a difference.” – Bianca
This outcome is achieved by working with other departments in DPV Health, the greater Homelessness Network and the local businesses in our catchment.
Should you require housing assistance in the City of Whittlesea please contact;
Haven Home Safe: 9479 0700
City of Hume Vincent Care: 9304 0100
After hours response: 1800 825 955
How you can help
Sign the petition to end homelessness in Victoria visit: https://everyvictorianshouldhaveahome.com.au/ for more information.
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