O’Keeffe calls for funding to address homelessness crisis

By Shepparton News

Aug 10, 2023

Time for action: State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe is calling on the Victorian Government for a fair share of the Regional Housing Fund to address the region’s homelessness crisis. Photo by Contributed

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe has written to Victorian Housing Minister Colin Brooks asking for the region to be included in the $1 billion Regional Housing Fund.

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This funding was announced following the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

On Tuesday, August 8, Mr Brooks said a fair distribution of this funding would occur across the state.

Ms O’Keeffe has asked for assurance from Mr Brooks that some of this would be invested in Greater Shepparton, saying that the rates of homelessness in the region continued to rise and not enough had been invested.

“We have the highest rates of homelessness across the state, with a waitlist for social housing at 2659 at the end of 2022,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

“This figure does not include those displaced from their homes in the October floods.”

Ms O’Keeffe said it was alarming that 1469 of those on the waitlist had fled domestic violence, had children with them, or were living with disabilities and required additional support.

“I have first-hand seen the devastating impact being homeless has, and my office is constantly inundated with people in need of help,” she said.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, the numbers will continue to grow, as more people are unable to afford to pay their rent, mortgage, pay bills or put food on the table.

“It is also heartbreaking to see people sleeping rough — more must be done because everyone deserves a roof over their head and a place to call home.”