5 August 2022
Melonie Ramsden has seen first-hand the impact Mind Australia’s service can have for people experiencing homelessness.
Ms Ramsden, Mind Housing and Recovery Coordinator, helps deliver the From Homelessness to a Home program – a partnership with Beyond Housing that supports people in the Ovens Murray region in Victoria to transition from rough sleeping or temporary hotel accommodation into longer-term, safe and secure housing.
Many of the people supported through this Victorian government initiative have experienced long-term homelessness and disadvantage and have complex circumstances, including mental health and wellbeing concerns, alcohol and drug use, trauma, domestic violence and physical health issues.
From Homelessness to a Home provides intensive, wrap around recovery support to promote better health, wellbeing and so clients’ tenancies can be sustained.
“I see first-hand the difference that intensive, longer-term case management is having for my clients, who have many barriers,” Ms Ramsden said.
“It is so rewarding being on this journey with people, some who have not lived in a house for many years.
“The stability of proper housing has given clients the confidence and self-belief to take steps towards reconciling with family and studying to re-enter the workforce.”
About From Homelessness to a Home
This service is based on Housing First principles. Many of the people supported through this initiative have experienced long-term homelessness and disadvantage and have complex needs including: mental illness, harmful alcohol and drug use, trauma, domestic violence and physical health issues.
From Homelessness to a Home clients receive a housing and a support package for a minimum of 12 months, with some packages lasting up to 24 months (based on the type of property and the assessment of the level of support needed). Property types include public housing and medium to longer term tenancies in private rental properties owned or leased by From Homelessness to a Home partners.
Mind staff work to ensure From Homelessness to a Home clients are appropriately housed in social housing provided by the Victoria State Government and then receive wrap around care to promote better health, wellbeing and so their tenancies can be sustained.
From Homelessness to a Home includes liaison and brokerage with local community health and social support agencies.
Find out more about From Homelessness to a Home here.
If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
