Wellways is set to receive more than $800,000 in funding to help those experiencing homelessness in Maroondah.

Announcing the funding today, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane said the homelessness service provider would establish an assertive outreach team to offer personalised assistance and help some of the Maroondah’s most vulnerable people.

Under the Victorian Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan released in January this year, $17 million was allocated to establish assertive outreach and supportive housing teams, as well as 20 new modular homes in areas of high need across the state.

After a competitive tender process, seven successful service providers across Victoria have now been chosen to roll out the initiatives over two years.

Workers in the assertive outreach team will actively seek out and engage with people experiencing homelessness in the Maroondah area and connect them with emergency accommodation, health services and ongoing support.

The Andrews Labor Government has made a record investment of $1 billion in additional homeless and housing support, including Victoria’s $45 million Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“We want to break the cycle of homelessness in Victoria – this funding means organisations can intervene early and connect rough sleepers with the services they need to turn their lives around.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane

“The assertive outreach teams will see workers on the ground in Maroondah and the surrounding area, actively seek out and help people who are experiencing homelessness to access heath and housing services.”

“We are proud of the work we’re doing to end homelessness and will continue to invest initiatives that work towards seeing every Victorian access safe and secure housing.”