The agency is funded by the Department of Human Services and provides assistance and support to vulnerable public housing tenants and renters in the private market who need advice.

Advocacy and Rights Centre chief executive Peter Noble said the new name represented a branding change, but the centre would continue to offer the same services it had in the past.

"The housing justice name represents the sweep of services we offer, from support to policy advice," he said.

"It's a simplification of our name that emphasises the service.

"We want the community to remember the names of the services we provide."

The new name was launched yesterday afternoon, along with a new website: www.housingjustice.org.au

Housing Justice will support tenants who struggle to meet their responsibilities. 

It can provide information and advice to people appearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, can help people negotiate with landlords and help people connect to other services.

Mr Noble said the agency would help prevent homelessness, by assisting people to work through their problems with their landlords, so they could continue to live in their accommodation.

"There are a mix of challenges individuals face that are not best addressed by simply turfing people out," he said. There was a lack of affordable housing in Bendigo, Mr Noble said.

"It's difficult for people of modest means in a low-to-middle income bracket, let alone people on a pension or benefits," he said.

The launch was attended by City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Barry Lyons, Housing Justice co-ordinator Mim Dineen and Centre for Non-Violence chief executive Margaret Augerinos.