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New money to support Vic homeless

There's more people sleeping rough on Melbourne's streets so the Victorian government is providing $850,000 for additional emergency accommodation.

A homeless man in Sydney
The Victorian government is giving $850,000 for additional emergency accommodation for the homeless. (AAP) Source: AAP

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Source: AAP


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It's a complex and confronting issue but anyone in Melbourne's CBD is aware of the homeless problem the city faces.

Agencies are overburdened as they try to deal with the unprecedented demand on homelessness services across the state - particularly in the city.

The state government has announced an $850,000 support package it says will help those struggling agencies to assist the growing number of rough sleepers lining the city streets.

Salvation Army major Brendan Nottle said the situation is at crisis point.

"I think it's overwhelming," he told 3AW on Monday.

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"We've just been through a federal election and there was no mention of homelessness. And yet I think in a lot of people's minds it is a crisis, not just for our city but for cities around the country."

Housing minister Martin Foley said the support package would go towards emergency accommodation and more case workers.

"We are currently experiencing unprecedented demand on homelessness services and that's why we are providing this additional funding," Mr Foley said on Monday.

He also called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to work with his government to provide extra support to vulnerable Victorians.

The Andrews government was also working to speed up the roll out of the $152 million housing package announced earlier this year, following the Royal Commission into Family Violence, he said.


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