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General News

27 July, 2023

MDHS helps send housing message with origami

The Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is highlighting the scale of the state’s homelessness crisis and through a partnership, will make a symbolic presentation to Parliament. The health service, along with the Victorian Homelessness...

By Riley Upton

Yvonne Fernandes-Smith (social worker) and Kylie Monk (housing support worker), along with Dunolly residents Lyn Paris, Judy Beasy and MDHS lifestyle team member Pam Shackleton spent time making the origami houses.
Yvonne Fernandes-Smith (social worker) and Kylie Monk (housing support worker), along with Dunolly residents Lyn Paris, Judy Beasy and MDHS lifestyle team member Pam Shackleton spent time making the origami houses.

The Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is highlighting the scale of the state’s homelessness crisis and through a partnership, will make a symbolic presentation to Parliament.

The health service, along with the Victorian Homelessness Network, is folding 6000 origami houses and will deliver these to Parliament next month.

It’s a symbolic gesture of the need for at least 6000 new social houses a year in the state and comes ahead of Homelessness Week, which runs from August 7 to 13.

Homelessness can be a complex issue and the main causes include family violence, financial difficulties and the current housing crisis and MDHS CEO Nickola Allan said there’s a consistent demand for social housing locally.

“We know there’s about half the amount of social housing available compared to those that are on waiting lists,” she said.

“We also know there’s that group of people who are sleeping rough, whether that’s boarding on a couch, sleeping in caravans or something similar.

“It’s difficult to capture how many people are in that situation but we know from our housing team, it always exceeds the statistics by at least double the amount of activity we’re prescribed to deliver with crisis accommodation.”

The health service hosted two working bees to enable staff and volunteers to get involved and has acted as a collection point for community members to drop off origami houses.

Patients on the ward and residents in the health service’s aged care communities also took part in the campaign.

“We are proud to be part of this initiative and have collectively folded more than 1700 houses, far exceeding our initial target of 600,” MDHS housing support worker Kylie Monk said.

“MDHS plays an active role in raising awareness about the housing crisis in Victoria on behalf of our clients.

“This growing problem is happening right here in our community. People are living in their cars, staying on a friend’s couch, in short term accommodation, or have nowhere to go.”

According to the 2021 Census, over 30,000 Victorians were considered without a home on the night of the Census, nearly 6000 more than five years ago and 24 percent higher than in 2016.

Last week, the Victorian Government announced it will spend $1 billion on regional social housing, committing to build at least 1300 social and affordable housing properties.

It’s an announcement that’s been welcomed by MDHS and Ms Allan said the regional focus presented an opportunity to address local issues.

“This is a great opportunity for key stakeholders to partner and define what those housing constructs look like in individual settings, rather than a broad brushed approach to the housing issue,” she said.

“Every community is different and I think this regional approach in particular is a really good way to look to address the local needs of communities.

“As a health service last year we had six rental properties to house students, staff and agency workers whereas now we don’t have any because of the student accommodation.

“That’s six properties back in the community and we’re not alone in needing to house staff — when you think of agencies across the state that use rentals to house staff members, there are lots of opportunities where we can do things differently and free up housing options.”

Council to Homeless Persons also welcomed the funding commitment, but CEO Deborah Di Natale said more was needed to end homelessness and the housing crisis.

“Building at least 1300 social and affordable housing properties will have enormous social and economic benefits for regional Victoria,” she said.

“We can supercharge those gains with a commitment to building at least 6000 public and community homes every year.

“Ending homelessness and fixing the housing crisis hinges on a commitment of that magnitude.”

If you or someone you know is in need of housing support, contact the Statewide After Hours Service on 1800 825 955 (free call) or (03) 9536 7777, or Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188 (free call).

For more information on the Houses at Parliament campaign, head to vhn.org.au/housesatparliament and for more on Homelessness Week head to homelessnessaustralia.org.au/homelessness-week/

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