New centre for homeless single women in Melbourne

The Commonwealth and State Governments have joined forces to provide a new crisis 24-hour supported accommodation service for homeless single women in Melbourne.

The funding of the centre was announced today by the Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, and Victorian Housing Minister, Bronwyn Pike.

Mr Anthony said the Commonwealth and Victorian State Governments would spend $1.4 million to buy and renovate a block of flats in East St Kilda, under the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement.

“The Federal Government acknowledges its social responsibilities and has made a strong commitment to Australia’s homeless,” Mr Anthony said.

“Recurrent funding of $250,000 will be provided to this service by the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services through its Supported Accommodation Assistance Program.

“The property will be named Dame Margaret Guilfoyle House in recognition of Dame Margaret’s contributions to advancing the status of women in the community and support of women experiencing family violence or abuse,” Mr Anthony said.

Minister Pike said the Victorian Government would provide recurrent funding of $109,000 for the service.

“The service, to be run by the Sacred Heart Mission, will accommodate 12 women over 25 years of age and without children, so they may live independently in the community,” Ms Pike said.

“The service will accommodate up to 150 women each year. Transitional housing support will also be offered to women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“Periods of support may range from short term assistance over several weeks or periods up to two years.”