Victoria's Minister for Housing Richard Wynne has announced a $6 million funding boost to reduce the incidence of rough sleeping and homelessness in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The funding will provide homelessness agencies with extra resources to find temporary housing for those who need it most.
Haven; Home, Safe chief executive Ken Marchingo said any funding directed to to the Bendigo-based housing organisation would be put to good use.
"For the vulnerable, the old and the health compromised, coronavirus can be and for some will be, lethal," Mr Marchingo said.
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Haven hopes to be the recipient of a portion of the state government's funding to help people in the regions.
"Things are tough in the regions, but in the city it is overwhelming," Mr Marchingo said.
"One of our core values is to put people first.
"For that reason, wherever possible, it will be business as usual for clients of Haven, and where it is not, it will be the best we can do with what we have access to do."
Funding will be directed towards private rental brokerage for those at risk of falling into homelessness, helping to keep them in safe and affordable accommodation, and reduce the community transmission of coronavirus.
"The coronavirus pandemic is going to have wide-ranging impacts across our community, but those experiencing homelessness who have nowhere else to go, will be particularly hard hit," Mr Wynne said.
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The state government is providing public housing communities with the latest information and advice about coronavirus, including a roster of extra staff on the ground in 13 estates, which mainly house elderly tenants.
"We are making sure our public housing tenants have the information, advice and support they need to look after themselves during this pandemic," Mr Wynne said.
For more information about the state government's coronavirus response, visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the state Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398, for advice if you are displaying symptoms.
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