- Published:
- Monday 26 April 2021
The Andrews Labor Government will deliver specialised services for Victorians in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) community, so those experiencing or at risk of homelessness have the support they need.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne today announced that tenders are open for LGBTIQ+ organisations and specialist homelessness services to jointly run a new LGBTIQ+ Homelessness Support Service.
LGBTIQ+ Victorians are at least twice as likely to experience homelessness than the broader population, due to factors including discrimination, family rejection, and intimate partner violence.
The new service will help more LGBTIQ+ Victorians avoid the devastating impacts of homelessness, by breaking down the barriers they face when trying to access specialist homelessness services, along with accompanying services such as mental health and alcohol and other drug support.
The support service will undergo a detailed evaluation ensuring the homelessness service system for LGBTIQ+ Victorians continues to improve as part of the Labor Government’s work to achieve equality.
Over the past five years, the Labor Government has created a more inclusive Victoria by reforming legislation to remove discrimination, and providing strong support for – and investment in – LGBTIQ+ organisations, community events and festivals.
The Labor Government is also developing a LGBTIQ+ Strategy to ensure outcomes continue to improve for LGBTIQ+ people across the state over the coming decade.
This is in addition to Victoria’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the largest investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history, delivering more than 12,000 new homes. This historic investment will boost Victoria’s social housing supply by 10 per cent, while creating 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.
To apply to run the LGBTIQ+ Homelessness Support Service, LGBTIQ+ organisations and specialist homelessness services should visit tenders.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“Discrimination, family rejection and violence mean members of the LGBTIQ+ community are more than twice as likely to experience homelessness than the broader population – that’s why this funding is vital.”
“Specialist services within the LGBTIQ+ community will give people the help they need fast, to recover and move on from homelessness.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Equality Martin Foley
“Victoria has made great progress towards equality for LGBTIQ+ communities, but we still have work to do – this new homelessness support service is an important part of that work.”
“Tailored services for LGBTIQ+ Victorians help address the challenges LGBTIQ+ communities continue to face.”