Rough sleepers across Victoria will have greater access to support services with tenders now open to establish assertive outreach teams in ares of high need across the State.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, today announced Dandenong is one of eight regions targeted to share in the $19 million program, funded under the Andrews Labor Government’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan.

Assertive outreach sees workers on the ground actively seek out and engage with people experiencing homelessness –  providing them with services including rapid access to emergency accommodation, health services and ongoing case management.

Ms Williams also announced that Dandenong is one of the six supportive housing teams also being established to deliver individual support to vulnerable clients once they are housed. Supportive housing is recognised internationally as the most effective means of establishing and sustaining long-term housing for people with histories of chronic homelessness and rough sleeping.

The $45 million Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan focuses on intervening early to prevent homelessness, providing stable accommodation as quickly as possible, support to maintain stable accommodation and an effective and responsive homelessness service system.

The Labor Government has provided more than $1 billion in homeless and housing support.

For more information or to submit a tender please visit: www.tenders.vic.gov.au