State Government commits to more funding for PRAP
Unison welcomes the State Government’s commitment to extend funding to the Private Rental Assistance program (PRAP) which will assist over 6,000 Victorians in need.
Under the program, people who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness are supported to access and sustain housing in the private rental market. This support is tailored to the needs of each household and may include financial assistance to move into or remain living in private rental housing, practical support and referral to services such as financial counselling.
Unison has been providing housing and homelessness services for more than two decades, assisting thousands of people each year who are in housing crisis.
Since January 2017, Unison has assisted almost 2000 households to access or sustain private rental accommodation in Melbourne’s West through the PRAP program.
Just under two thirds of these households were at risk of eviction and Unison worked in close collaboration with Real Estate agents to maintain the tenancy. About one third had already entered the homeless population and were assisted to find, secure and move into private rental accommodation. Over 80% of households were families and around one in 10 were women who had experienced family violence.
The program relies on collaboration between the State Government, not-for profit agencies and private real estate as part of a long-term vision to reduce homelessness. These strong relationships are key in making sure all Victorians have a secure, affordable home.
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