Manningham Council is calling on the candidates in the upcoming Federal election to support and commit to solutions for better affordable housing outcomes.

As a signatory to the Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter, we have joined 12 other councils from Melbourne’s east and south in a unified voice, calling for urgent action for more social housing to end homelessness.

“Providing a safe home is the best way to stem the increase in homelessness,” said Mayor Cr Michelle Kleinert.

“Homelessness is more likely to affect those most vulnerable in our society. This includes women and children fleeing family violence, people with a disability, people living with a mental health condition, people living in poverty and marginalised groups.”

The last census showed that in Manningham an estimated 3,390 households were in rental stress, social housing or homelessness during 2016. The pandemic is expected to have increased this over the last two years.

We are calling on additional Commonwealth stimulus funding to registered housing services to work in partnerships with council to support vulnerable residents—particularly those with a disability.

“The federal election is an opportunity for our community to let candidates know what concerns them. I am encouraging all members of our community to contact your local candidate and tell them what Manningham needs,” said Cr Kleinert.

We firmly believe that #localsknowwhatlocalsneed so #dontleavelocalcommunitybehind.

To see the full list of advocacy projects visit, manningham.vic.gov.au/advocacy