Mind Australia will continue to support people who experienced homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a funding extension for the From Homelessness to a Home program, announced by the Victorian government.
Mind partners with Haven; Home, Safe and Launch Housing to provide intensive recovery support to people in the Loddon Mallee, Barwon South, Melbourne North and South East metropolitan Melbourne regions who have experienced chronic homelessness, assisting their transition from rough sleeping or temporary hotel accommodation into longer-term 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.
Mind staff work to ensure From Homelessness to a Home clients are appropriately housed and then receive wrap around mental health recovery support to promote better health, wellbeing and so clients’ tenancies can be sustained.
This funding extension by the Victorian government means that more than 200 clients in Loddon Mallee, Barwon South, Melbourne North and South East metropolitan Melbourne can continue to be supported until at least June 2023.
Mind Executive Director Victoria Operations Belinda McCullough said the From Homelessness to a Home program played an invaluable role in addressing homelessness and mental ill-health.
“The Victorian government is to be commended for recognising the value of this initiative in providing people experiencing homelessness with safe, secure housing, as well as the appropriate supports to ensure people can work on their mental health recovery goals,” Ms McCullough said.
“Housing and mental health initiatives like From Homelessness to a Home are crucial in lowering the rate of people rough sleeping and breaking the cycle of homelessness and mental ill-health, which often leads to hospitalisations and increased pressure on Emergency Departments.”
Mind supports clients through the From Homelessness to a Home initiative in:
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.
To learn more about Mind Australia support services near you contact Mind Connect on 1300 286 463.
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.