FAMILIES in crisis are being forced to stay in motels and caravan parks far outside the area due to a shortfall in emergency housing in Brimbank.
A report to last week’s council meeting painted a troubling picture of the problems faced by people made homeless in emergency situations such as fire, flood and storm.
A report by general manager of community well-being Kelly Grigsby noted families affected by disaster were being forced out of the area or into rooming houses due to limited crisis or emergency accommodation in Brimbank and Melton.
“There is an urgent need to improve the level and range of crisis and emergency accommodation in Brimbank,” the report stated.
Three house fires this year and a number over the past 12 months have put a huge strain on the council’s ability to cope with families left homeless and distressed.
Delays in accessing social housing or private rental accommodation can leave families stuck in motels for weeks on end.
Many have also ended up in caravan parks in Rockbank and Footscray, far away from their homes, schools and friends.
The council works with agencies such as the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Centrelink to help people in crisis.
Most referrals are to the Salvation Army Social Housing Service but it is unable to fund the extended stays, leaving the council to foot the bill.
It also faces far more demand than it can meet, hearing more than 20 requests from families and singles every day.
More than 600 requests for long-term housing are still unmet.
Compounding the problem, the council’s Social Justice Coalition has found social housing stock in Brimbank is failing to keep pace with population growth.
The council has written to Housing Minister Wendy Lovell seeking extra funding to tackle the issue and will work with Melton Council to advocate for more social housing.
