Homelessness specialist Junction Support Services welcomes the Victorian Government’s confirmation it will provide the new Homes First program across the Ovens Murray and Goulburn regions.

Homelessness support has been Junction’s core business since its inception in 1989. The organisation offers specialist homelessness support services for children, young people, single adults, and families across Ovens Murray and Goulburn.

The Victorian Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing, announced Junction as one of just five service providers chosen to deliver Homes First, which will support hundreds of Victorians out of homelessness and into their own homes.

“This investment, with the Victorian government’s recent rollout of new social housing through the Big Housing Build, is welcomed”, says Junction Chief Executive Officer Megan Hanley.

“Our community has been facing significant challenges, especially with the rising cost of living. This has a profound impact on our entire community.

“We’ve seen that homelessness is on the rise, and we’ve seen that more and more people are doing it tough.

“This support is significant as it allows us to ensure people are afforded the basic human right of a home, and then supported to address the key drivers of homelessness.”

Homes First is a comprehensive program that addresses the root causes of homelessness and provides ongoing support to help individuals sustain safe, stable accommodation.

Homes First has been designed on evidence-based principles.

Its focus is on supporting individuals in finding a safe and secure home and then providing them with the necessary wraparound services to help them sustain their tenancy.

This innovative approach positions Homes First as a potential game-changer in addressing chronic homelessness.

“The number of people sleeping rough has increased dramatically in recent years,” says Junction Chief Operating Officer Michelle Fell.

“We thank the Victorian Government for their commitment to support regional communities, and we look forward to working in partnership with our local key stakeholders to ensure people are provided with a home and the intensive support they need for a brighter future.”

Junction expects to establish new multidisciplinary teams across Ovens Murray and Goulburn within the coming months.