Addressing the Escalating Homelessness Crisis: Proposal for an Emergency and Transitional Housing Solution

Executive Summary:

The escalating issue of homelessness in Bendigo, as well as across Victoria and Australia, necessitates an urgent and comprehensive solution. While government initiatives often focus on affordable, social housing, and low-cost rentals, there is a critical oversight in addressing the immediate needs of those living without shelter. This report advocates for the establishment of Emergency and Transitional Housing as a pivotal component to combat homelessness, acknowledging its roots in factors such as family violence, housing shortages, health issues, unemployment, substance abuse, and family breakdowns.

Proposed Solution:

To effectively address this pressing concern, we propose the establishment of Tiny House Communities, a solution that has unfortunately not garnered significant attention within local council. This innovative approach, backed by Federal, State, and Local Councils, aims to create a cost-effective and scalable model that can house hundreds of individuals in need. The key elements of this proposed solution include:

1. Site Allocation:

1. • The State or local Council would provide the necessary land for the Tiny House Community.

2. Community Design:

1. • The site would be strategically landscaped with a central community area, resembling a traditional housing development but scaled down for Tiny Homes and Caravan lots.
   • Infrastructure such as water, sewage, and power would be distributed to each lot, and a central car park would be designated outside the community to encourage walking and biking.

3. Connectivity:

1. • A central WIFI-style internet access point would be established for all homes within the community.

4. Rent Inclusions:

1. • Low-cost rent paid by residents, sourced from their income or government benefits, would cover essential amenities like power, water, and internet.
   • The rental fees would also contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the site, ensuring sustainability and preventing it from becoming a financial burden.

5. Operational Model:

1. • Local councils would assume the role of landlords, receiving rent and potential government grants/subsidies to oversee day-to-day maintenance.
   • A live-in onsite caretaker would be appointed for enhanced management.

6. Proximity to Services:

1. • The community site would be strategically located within walking distance to local shops, food shares, and groceries.

7. Temporary Residency:

1. • The proposed housing model is intended for a maximum period of 12 to 24 months, offering individuals a temporary solution while they transition back into stable housing and employment.

8. Diverse Accommodations:

1. • The community would feature 1-to-3-bedroom Tiny Houses as well as spaces for individuals with caravans, accommodating diverse needs and family sizes.

9. Cost-Effectiveness:

1. • The proposed solution emphasizes a cost-effective implementation with maximum impact, providing significant assistance to those in urgent need of Emergency and Transitional housing.

In conclusion, the Tiny House Community Solution represents a viable and pragmatic approach to addressing the immediate needs of the homeless population. This proposal, if implemented, has the potential to alleviate the homelessness crisis, offering a pathway for individuals to regain stability and reintegrate into society.