Team Wood announces $3 million Hotels for Homeless plan

Lord Mayoral candidate Arron Wood is set to provide $3 million to establish Hotels for Homeless; a program aimed at offering crisis accommodation to those sleeping rough in Melbourne.

The initiative seeks to place individuals experiencing homelessness into hotel rooms as an immediate solution while more permanent housing options are identified.

Team Wood also intends to push the state government to expedite the development of crisis and transitional housing within Melbourne if successful following October’s City of Melbourne election race.

“In a city like Melbourne, we shouldn’t accept that people are forced to sleep on our streets – Town Hall needs to do more,” Mr Wood said.

“Homelessness is complex and there’s no silver bullet – but we know that providing safe accommodation is such a critical first step. We also need to encourage the development and delivery of more affordable housing options.”

As part of the Hotels for Homeless initiative, outreach teams, including representatives from Victoria Police, the Salvation Army, and St Vincent de Paul, will broaden their efforts to engage with rough sleepers on a daily basis.

This coordinated approach is modelled after the Melbourne Zero framework, enhancing the effectiveness of these organisations as they work together.

To support these efforts, Mr Wood has pledged an additional $1 million to the Salvation Army, enabling them to continue their essential services and outreach initiatives.

Additionally, a dedicated hotline will be set up, allowing community members to request assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness.

If elected Lord Mayor, Mr Wood plans to expedite the construction of private housing options, focusing on affordable and key worker accommodations.

This will be achieved by streamlining regulations for the development sector and eliminating obstacles that hinder the conversion of under-utilised buildings into residential accommodation.

“We need more of every type of housing – social, affordable and private housing. The more homes that get built means the pressure will be eased for renters and those looking to buy their first home,” Mr Wood said.