More than 30 organisations will share in $14 million in grants for 10 projects that will support safe, secure housing, thanks to the Victorian Legal Services Board’s (VLSB) Housing Justice grants round.
This priority themed grant round, funded through the Public Purpose Fund, invited applicants from across the justice and housing sectors to partner and develop proposals that address housing provider accountability, renter rights and improving housing support for groups in vulnerable situations.
Projects include partnerships to help young people at risk of homelessness, women experiencing family violence and rental discrimination, support for housing legal issues in regional Victoria and appropriate housing for those with mental illness.
VLSB CEO and Commissioner Fiona McLeay said these grants pave a way forward for fruitful, cross-sector partnerships through which the legal sector can improve housing security in Victoria.
“Housing is fundamental,” Ms McLeay said. “It’s connected with our emotional and physical security and deeply rooted to our sense of belonging. Its influence extends from an individual level through to our broader communities, with serious implications for people’s interactions with the justice system.”
“This funding from the Public Purpose Fund will support the most vulnerable Victorians experiencing legal issues related to housing to advocate for, access and stay in housing.”
“I congratulate our successful partners, whose projects address issues at the interface of housing security and legal assistance. The spread of projects, from those assisting people living in supported housing, public and social housing, all the way through to projects that support those renting in the private market and homeowners with owner’s corporation fees, will see impact for so many.”
Among the many Victorians who will benefit from projects being funded in the Housing Justice grant round, this funding will help:
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women and children who have experienced family violence and are at risk of falling into insecure housing and homelessness
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young people with interrelated experiences of family violence and homelessness, who have entered the homelessness system without a protective parent
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Victorians who live in regional, rural and remote communities
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victim-survivors of family violence, over 55s and new Victorians who are under mortgage stress and at risk of bankruptcy
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people living in disability accommodation
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people experiencing long-term homelessness.
The Housing Justice grant round is part of the broader VLSB grants program, which has now awarded 339 grants totaling $97 million since 2007.