This week marks Homelessness Week 2020. This year, there has been significant and alarming changes to homelessness and housing crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With already over 1,100 Victorians sleeping rough according to DHHS, the pandemic poses higher risk to these individuals and families who are exposed to the elements, who are at risk of homelessness due to job loss or who simply do not have access to the essentials and information they need.
At Anchor, we remain committed as ever to supporting our community and providing essential services to those who are most vulnerable. As a specialist homeless service, we strive to be a catalyst for housing where “everyone has a safe and secure home.”
Anchor have taken a lead role and committed to the development of a number of initiatives across the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah LGA’s to increase the supply of crisis and longer term housing across the region, partnering with both Community and Government stakeholders. Some of these initiatives include:
Tiny Homes Commencing in 2018, Anchor has worked alongside community partners Hangan Constructions, Dynamic Steel Frames, Color Bond Steel, Myer Eastland and Myer Knox to develop an alternate option for women in their journey to escape family violence in the outer east. Excitingly in 2020, this pilot has come to life.
Restriction and Recovery: Shelter in Place pilot Recognising the alarming increase in housing crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, the action to assist was immediate. Anchor, The Salvation Army, and Box Hill Institute Lakeside Campus, developed a collaboration in which to utilise the vacant conference rooms at Box Hill as accommodation to provide a safe and suitable environment for families and children.
Activating Community! Fulfilling the pipe dream of Stable One’s Jenny Willets, Anchor along with Jumbanna lodge and Stable One have been assisting those who are sleeping rough this winter in the Yarra Ranges. Located in Launching Place, this accommodation ensures the community has what it needs through the cold Melbourne winter – housing for single adults.
We continue to work and develop initiatives to support those in the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah LGAs’s. Partnering with Yarra Ranges and Maroondah Council, Stable One, Brotherhood of St Lawrence, Box Hill Institute, DHHS, Myer and more we continue to ensure that we work toward ensuring our community remains, safe, secure and has a place to call home. To help support us you can donate here.