Registered housing associations and housing providers can now apply for grants to help buy and lease housing for women and children escaping family violence

The grants are part of a ‘housing blitz’ in response to priority recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Family Violence. The new Rapid Housing Assistance Fund will have an immediate impact on the shortage of medium and long-term housing for people made homeless as a result of family violence.

This initiative provides up to $48.8 million for registered housing agencies to purchase 130 social housing properties and up to $1.4 million for head leases for 100 social housing rental properties in priority areas across Victoria. The funding will provide more social housing for people who may also be receiving packages of assistance and support from family violence support agencies and other services.

The fast-tracked process to apply requires an initial expression of interest (now closed) to be submitted by housing agencies. Interested applicants should check the guidance pack [below] for all the requirements on how to apply.