Nine community organisations that support Victorians who need rental assistance will receive $7.8 million in funding from the Rental Stress Support Package.
With around 5% of Victorian households facing serious renting stress, there has been an increase in demand for support services.
The government committed to increasing access to these services through the Rental Stress Support Package, an initiative under the Housing Statement.
The successful organisations were selected through an application and assessment process. They are:
- Anglicare Victoria
- Child and Family Services
- Housing for the Aged Action Group
- Justice Connect
- Launch Housing
- Mallee Family Care
- Quantum Support Services
- South East Community Links
- Tenants Victoria (in partnership with local centres ARC Justice, Barwon Community Legal Service, Peninsula Community Legal Centre and WEstjustice).
The package is administered by Consumer Affairs Victoria, which also provides support to renters through the Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program and Retirement Housing Assistance and Advocacy Program.
Funding under the Rental Stress Support Package is being delivered over three years, starting in 2023-24, and will see nearly 30 additional workers delivering these essential services to renters across Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Victoria managed programs supported over 8,800 Victorians experiencing rental issues in the last financial year with information and advice, negotiation support, and help with VCAT hearings.
For more information, see Rental Stress Support Package 2023-24.