By Ewen McRae
Large areas of Brimbank have among the highest rates of homelessness in the state, according to new figures.
Data from the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) revealed an emerging corridor of homelessness running from Melbourne’s west into the city, with the state electorate of St Albans experiencing the fifth highest number of homeless people in Victoria.
According to the figures, the St Albans electorate has 739 homeless people, while nearby Kororoit (438), Melton (216) and Sydenham (167) were also high on the list.
Melbourne (1617) and Dandenong (1158) had the highest levels in the state.
CHP acting chief executive Kate Colvin said the data showed just how widespread the problem of homelessness was in Victoria.
“The data makes it clear that homelessness is not just a city problem,” Ms Colvin said.
“Skyrocketing rents and a lack of social housing is driving homelessness in every electorate in Victoria. But there are solutions to overcome the crisis.
“With the right measures in place, we know we can prevent most homelessness, quickly rehouse people who do lose their homes, and keep people housed long-term.”
The CHP is calling for a boost of 3000 new social housing projects a year for 10 years to help combat the homelessness increase, as well as helping to prevent people being evicted into homelessness. It also wants greater assistance for those already sleeping rough.
Brimbank council community director Dan Hogan said while direct responsibility for funding emergency and transitional housing lies with state and federal governments, the council was doing what it could.
“The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census estimated 1477 people in Brimbank identified as homeless,” Mr Hogan said.
“Together with our partners in the Brimbank Social Justice Coalition, council actively advocates for increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.
“Council works closely with the Salvation Army, the agency responsible for supporting people in Brimbank who are homeless.”
