Vincentcare CEO John Blewonski said “This program will respond to the needs of its Melbourne community to tackle homelessness in a way that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive, utilising a model informed by international and Australian best practice.”

VincentCare has developed partnerships across community, government, business and philanthropy to develop this innovative service platform that will provide a range of accommodation, crisis and care services to people experiencing homelessness. This development will be the first of its kind in Victoria and will enable VincentCare to more effectively respond to adults who have experienced homelessness and ongoing financial and social disadvantage.

This project will increase the supply of affordable housing to include crisis accommodation response (63 apartments), transitional accommodation for men and women who are recovering from a period of homelessness (41 apartments) and long term independent living units for men and women aged over 50 who have experienced homelessness (26 apartments).

The grant from Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has assisted VincentCare to pursue other funding from government and philanthropic organisations.

The Foundation’s CEO Catherine Brown said, “We are also pleased to support VincentCare Victoria for the redevelopment of Ozanam House, which provides accommodation for older men and women who are homeless in the inner city suburbs of Melbourne. VincentCare has demonstrated a creative approach to the service, building design and financing of this project. Our support has helped VincentCare leverage other support, including funds from the Victorian Government.”