05 February 2018
Towards Home - Ending Homelessness and Disadvantage
The Victorian State Government announced a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan this week, which will see $45 million of funding allocated towards assisting rough sleepers across the state to move off the streets and into housing.
The money will be allocated to outreach teams, health and welling services in crisis care, accommodation units with on-site support, and support teams to assist people once they have been housed.
The government is aiming to “break the cycle of homelessness in Victoria” by providing a clear pathway to those most vulnerable. This extra boost in funding is going to assist the countless charities already working so hard to support those in need of extra assistance.
Volunteers help serve Community Meal with the Father Bob Foundation.
A new initiative by The Salvation Army will complement the State Government’s action plan and full spectrum approach. The program employs previously homeless people as ‘concierges’ to assist users of the Salvo’s CBD drop in centre, connecting them with the appropriate available services and resources.
“They will encourage people to come into our building, have a cup of coffee, something to eat,” says Brendan Nottle, Major of the Salvation Army. “And just encourage people by saying, ‘I’ve been where you’ve been, I’ve got on my feet, you can do that too, we want to support you’.”
Working closely with the City of Melbourne’s Daily Support Teams, the program is also expected to improve relationships with local business owners and residents.
Part of the Archiblox ethos is the belief that everyone should have a home, and so actions and initiative like those mentioned above resonate here with the whole team. Archiblox supports and sits on the board of The Father Bob Foundation, which works to tackle homelessness and disadvantage.
A core value of the foundation is to give all kids a fair start to life and everyone a fair go. All have the right to be nourished physically, mentally and emotionally. No one will be left behind. The Father Bob Foundation organises tutoring for school kids, community meals and a community pantry which collates hampers of food for those in need, all with the help of its generous volunteers.
Community Meals provided by the Father Bob Foundation.
As amazing as the commitment by the Government and the countless charities is, there is always room for more to be done. As a team, Archiblox aims to lead by example in offering our time and resources to assist charities like The Father Bob foundation to achieve ending homelessness and disadvantage.
The following organisations are a great place to start if you too are interesting in generously volunteering your time.
– Father Bobs Foundation
– The Salvation Army
– Sacred Heart Mission
– Kids Under Cover
– Share The Dignity
– Lighthouse Foundation
Donating your time will make a difference in the lives of those who need assistance, as well as being a rich and rewarding experience for yourself.
Information Sourced from:
Herald Sun – Action Plan to Help Rough Sleepers and Homeless in CBD and Across Victoria
Herald Sun – Concierges to Link City’s Homeless With Social Workers