Brimbank council is trialling a new model to address homelessness outside the Sunshine library, which involves outreach services being positioned inside the library to better support rough sleepers and library users.
It comes as concerns over homelessness in the area increase.
In a Facebook post Cr Daniel Kruk acknowledged that “outreach services in Brimbank are limited and don’t always align with the high demand for assistance.”
“Wait lists for accommodation are long, and it can take time for people to be safely housed,” he wrote.
Cr Kruk said council actively works with outreach services, including IPC Health, cohealth and Bolton Clarke, to support vulnerable people at the library and across Brimbank.
According to the Brimbank council website, the municipality has one of the highest numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the western suburbs.
Cohealth director of community mental health and homelessness Brett Murphy said the reasons why people become homeless are varied and often complex — as are the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
“Unfortunately, with more and more people becoming homeless — and a real lack of social and affordable housing — we shouldn’t expect the situation to change quickly,” he said.
Mr Murphy said cohealth works alongside a number of organisations to support people in Brimbank who are sleeping rough or in insecure accommodation.
“Our outreach team works hard to connect and build trust with people to support their needs and goals. This can range from helping with relevant applications for housing, providing access to material aid, and connecting with physical and mental health services,” he said.
Police are also working alongside council and outreach services to address homelessness at Sunshine library and in other areas of the municipality.
Brimbank Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Jess Boyle said the priority of police was to link people who are sleeping rough to available services.
“In the first instance, authorised officers enforce council bylaws and they can request police assistance if needed. If an offence is detected, police will deal with the matter at hand,” she said.
She also highlighted that “being homeless is not an offence.”
More information about homelessness in Brimbank can be found on the Brimbank council website.
