Supportive Housing
What is ‘supportive housing’ at Unison?
Supportive housing generally provides permanent, secure, and affordable accommodation for people who have experienced homelessness and who would benefit from the option of onsite supports to maintain their tenancy. Unison offers two permanent supportive housing programs, and one transitional supportive housing program. These programs include access to tailored onsite support services that work alongside residents in maintaining their tenancy and working on other wellbeing goals.
Supportive Housing FAQs
Who is eligible for supportive housing?
To be eligible for supportive housing in Victoria, individuals must generally be listed on the Victorian Housing Register (VHR).
The VHR is the central system for applying for both public and community housing.
Eligibility includes:
- Being a Victorian resident
- Holding Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Meeting income and asset limits
- Having a demonstrated housing need, such as homelessness, escaping family violence, or requiring support due to disability or health issues.
Applicants may be placed under:
- Priority Access – for those with urgent housing needs and support requirements
- Register of Interest – for those seeking social housing without urgent needs.
Supportive housing providers may also assess additional criteria based on the level of support needed to sustain a tenancy.
Does the person I’m referring have to be experiencing homelessness to access supportive housing?
Supportive housing prioritises people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. However, eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the person’s housing and support needs.
What is the referral process?
Referrals are usually made through homelessness access points. Contact your local IAP service to discuss a referral.
Where are the properties located?
Unison supportive housing properties are in Melbourne and Footscray. Availability depends on location, program capacity, and referral pathways. Contact your local IAP service to discuss a referral.
What kind of support is provided?
Support may include:
- Concierge and/or staff who are available to welcome people entering the building, and who are available to support with challenges if they arise
- Flexible, person-centred onsite case management
- Place-based tenancy management
- Wellbeing support, including site-based activities or events.
Renters also receive support in linking with the below services, either through onsite in-reach or through referrals to community-based service:
- Support with daily living skills
- Drug and alcohol services
- Mental health services
- Health services
- Employment and education assistance
- Cultural case management
- Specialist family violence support
- Advocacy and other referral pathways.
How are people supported to sustain their tenancies?
Supportive housing tenancies at Unison fall under the Residential Tenancies’ Act and rooming house tenancy. There are site-specific house rules. Residents receive tailored, person-centred support to help them manage their tenancy, build independent living skills, and connect with community services. The goal is long-term housing stability and improved wellbeing.
How can I support with the viewing, sign-up and moving-in processes?
Depending on the specific capacity of your role and agency, you are welcome to support the person being referred with their viewing and the sign-up process. For both, a Unison Place Manager will be present, as well as an onsite support worker. Please speak with the person you’re referring and the specific supportive housing site, about the best way to support the ‘moving-in’ process.
Do residents have to engage in social support activities or programs?
No. Participation in support services is voluntary. Support is offered respectfully and tailored to each person’s goals and preferences, which may evolve and change over time.
Are people removed from the VHR when they move into Unison’s supportive housing programs?
If a person moves into one of Unison’s two permanent supportive housing programs, their existing housing application will be removed from the VHR. If a person moves into Unison’s transitional supportive housing program, they are eligible to remain on the VHR.
Case managers may be able to support a person with a priority transfer application via the VHR, if this aligns with their future goals.
Is supportive housing the same as crisis accommodation or residential rehab?
No. Supportive housing is housing with optional support services. It is not a short-term crisis facility or treatment program.
How do you support renter safety at your supportive housing sites?
Our concierge and/or security staff are available onsite 24/7, to be responsive to the safety and support needs of residents.
Place Managers, Program Managers and onsite supports align their practice with principles of Trauma Informed Care, and with a range of site-based procedures that guide staff in responding to safety concerns within the building.
Is supportive housing safe for the community?
Yes. Evidence shows that supportive housing contributes to safer, more stable communities by reducing homelessness and improving social outcomes.
