Structuring for success
In July, Homes Victoria reorganised its homelessness branch, so it's better positioned to drive homelessness reform and support the sector and clients to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
The new branch name - Homelessness and Sustaining Housing Outcomes Branch (HSHO) - reflects this focus. It recognises that ending homelessness requires not only housing people quickly, but also ensuring the right supports are in place to help people sustain housing for as long as it's needed.
The new structure supports a strong focus on the stewardship, reform and continuous improvement of homelessness services and other low-cost accommodation responses. It will help us to guide the delivery of evidence based services that are informed by the voices of lived and living experience and improve client outcomes.
The branch will continue to work closely with colleagues in Homes Victoria's First People’s Housing and Homelessness branch and with other government departments and agencies to ensure programs remain person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate.
The branch is led by Mark Stracey who was appointed Executive Director in June. Mark brings a wealth of experience in the public service, and together with the team is working hard to support the sector and its clients through Homes Victoria's homelessness programs. He and the team are visiting sector partners across the state to learn more about their operations and hear directly from practitioners about the challenges and opportunities of responding to homelessness across the state.
Feel free to reach out to make contact.