VCOSS applauds ‘game changing’ $2.1b social housing package

The Victorian Council of Social Service has applauded the establishment of a new $1 billion Victorian Social Housing Growth Fund.

“This is a smart and significant investment that will change the lives of thousands of Victorians,” VCOSS CEO Emma King said.

“The fund will provide for a pipeline of new social housing long into the future, helping more people find secure, affordable and appropriate housing.”

VCOSS has long argued social housing is the most effective ammunition in the fight against poverty.
“It’s hard to keep a job, finish a degree or feed your kids if you don’t have a home.” Ms King said.

“A lack of affordable housing makes all our other social problems worse.”

“These new homes will give people a solid foundation from which to turn around their lives.”

VCOSS also welcomes the announcement of loans and loan guarantees totaling a further $1.1 billion dollars.

“Housing associations will now have extra capacity to do their part, securing and maintaining housing stock for the state’s most vulnerable.”

VCOSS understands these announcements form just part of the Victorian Government’s wider Housing Affordability Package, and come on top of previously announced housing and homelessness initiatives worth more than $600 million.

“The Victorian Government is showing crucial leadership at a time when the Commonwealth is only talking about reducing funding for Victorians in need,” Ms King said.

“We look forward to working with the Victorian Government on the detail and implementation of these initiatives.”