Emergency hotel accommodation extended until February 2022

Thousands of Victorians experiencing homelessness who have been staying in emergency hotel accommodation during the pandemic will have their stay extended, with an additional $66 million announced by the Victorian Government.

But the storm is far from over, with the program set to permanently close in February, leaving many with extremely limited housing options.

At the same time Melbourne begins to open up to events and we enjoy more freedoms in the lead up to the festive season, safety and stability for a similar number of households is coming to an end.

Official estimates of rough sleeping pre-pandemic have been shown to be way off, with ten times as many people seeking help.

Launching Housing Chief Executive, Bevan Warner said whilst the recent announcement of extended funding until February provides precious extra weeks to transition people out of hotels, the reality is many face an uncertain and fragile existence.

“As a community living in the most locked down city in the world, we know what it feels like to experience uncertainty. For those in emergency accommodation uncertainty is relentless and the clock is ticking on their exit from hotels when frankly, there aren’t many places to go.

Stark choices face the 700 individuals Launch Housing is working with. Many will return to homelessness when other community agencies cease paying their bills and our hotels return to accommodating tourists.

We understand emergency accommodation isn’t a long-term fix, but in the rush from fatigue to reclaim our freedoms and with the job only half-done, we are squandering the opportunity to have Melbourne be a world leader and most liveable city for everyone.

Making Melbourne a demonstration city for ending homelessness requires active citizenship. It means holding institutions like mine and political office holders to account.

We can end homelessness but not without challenging the stubborn belief that homelessness will always be a feature of our city. It doesn’t have to be.”

Want to find out more about how you can help bring an end to homelessness in our city? Visit our Take Action page to become an advocate, volunteer your time or give a donation to support someone in crisis.