The Andrews government will spend $21.1 million to build 62 homes for regional Victorians living with mental illness.
The homes will be built in four priority areas – Ballarat West, Drouin, North Bendigo and Seymour – as part of the governments $5.3 billion social housing construction blitz, unveiled in last year’s budget.
The homes are in addition to 84 under construction in Epping, Laverton, Mooroopna and Pakenham, and 16 completed in the Geelong suburb of Highton, costing $28.1 million.
Each home includes self-contained kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities along with a private courtyard or balcony. Mind Australia provides support services to residents.
The Haven Foundation has contributed $1.2 million towards the new homes.
Premier Daniel Andrews visited the Highton homes on Tuesday and described them as “life changing” for residents.
“It’s all about giving people who live with mental illness the security, safety, confidence and support to stay well, to stay in their community and out of hospital,” Mr Andrews told reporters.
A royal commission into the state’s mental health system in March recognised the need for more social housing for people living with mental illness.
It recommended the creation of 2000 homes for people with mental health issues, and an additional 500 supported-housing places for young people living with mental illness.
The state government has committed to implementing all recommendations of the royal commission.
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