Over the years, almost 20,000 padlocks have been attached to the Evan Walker Bridge in Southbank by members of the public as a gesture of devotion to a loved one.

As the community marks Homelessness Week, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation recognises that the need for preventative initiatives, affordable housing options and long-term solutions has never been greater; the number of people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne has risen by 74 per cent in the last two years, while families and individuals are increasingly burdened by housing stress, spending over 30 per cent of their gross income on housing costs.

• Social home ownership program boosted by $2 million loan
• Affordable Housing Loan Fund provides innovative finance structure
• New homes to be built in Greater Melbourne for low income families