Accommodation
Sleeping rough?
Everybody deserves a safe and affordable home to live and sleep in. Some people can find themselves without a safe and affordable place to live for a range of reasons. This could be due to violence, sexual assault, drug and alcohol abuse, overcrowdedness, relationship breakdown, family problems, gambling, unemployment or a lack of affordable housing. All these problems can cause you to become homeless, and if not addressed can lead to ongoing homelessness.
If you don’t have anywhere to stay tonight, call the Front Door service on 1800 882 500.
Crisis Accommodation:
Eastern ‘Front Door’ Referral Service
An initial point of contact for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing violence at home. They will help provide short-term crisis accommodation and then support you to find somewhere safe to stay in the long-term.
Free call: 1800 882 500
Reception
8870 4000
Front Door Crisis Team
8870 4060
Youth transitional Support Team
8870 4050
Whish Team
8870 4030
Children's Resource Team
8870 4040
Or drop into any of these centres during office hours:
- Wesley Mission: 291A Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood
- Harrison Community Services: 1012 Little Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South
- Anchor: 7-9 John St, Lilydale
- Community Housing Limited: 9 Prospect St, Box Hill
- The Salvation Army Eastcare: 16 Church St, Hawthorn
Melbourne Youth Support Service (MYSS)
What: Statewide telephone information and referral service for young people offering face to face and telephone services. Can help out with accommodation issues, legal issues, drug and alcohol issues, 'limited material aid', training and employment.
Where: Frontyard: 19 King St, Melbourne
Phone: 9611 2411 or Free Call (from a landline) 1800 800 531
Website: www.frontyard.org
Further Help
- St Kilda Crisis Centre (if near the city) 9536 7777
- Youth For Christ (supported medium to long-term accommodation) 9807 4900
- Homeless Persons Eyecare Program 9349 7400
- EACH – Youth Homeless Project 9871 1800
- Anglicare - Box Hill 9879 5344
Supported housing:
Office Of Housing
What: Government-supported housing available for young Victorians experiencing homelessness, unsafe, or unhealthy living conditions. Selection criteria and waiting time applies.
Where: 25 Ringwood Street, Ringwood
Phone: 9871 5199
Website: www.housing.vic.gov.au
Community Housing Limited (CHL)
What: Affordable long-term accommodation from single units through to share housing. Depends on availability.
Where: 26-28 Prospect Street, Box Hill
(Can also meet people at offices in Lilydale, Ringwood, and Wantirna)
Phone: 9856 0050
Email: info@chl.org.au
Website: www.chl.org.au
Renting:
Looking to move out?
Getting a private rental property can be difficult. There are many people looking for houses (or units and flats etc.) and landlords tend to prefer tenants with a stable income, those with rental experience, mature applicants, and sometimes those without pets. For your first time ‘out of home’ you might find it easier to get shared accommodation (That is, renting a room in a share house with other people). When renting, you generally need to sign a contract and pay a bond. It’s also important to fill in a condition report as soon as you move in. If you are on Centrelink payments the rent must be less than 33% of your payments.
There are many things to consider before signing the rental contract. The price is an important factor, however you should also consider how well you think you will get along with the other people living in the house, your roommate’s lifestyles, the house’s facilities, it’s size, the noise factor and how close it is to school/uni/work, shops, and public transport (For more information about renting go to http://www.tuv.org.au/ or www.consumer.vic.gov.au).
Searching for shared accommodation and private rental is often easiest online. It could also be worth checking out the windows of real estate agents, community notice boards and local newspapers for rental properties in the area. Here are a few websites to get you started on your search for the right home:
- www.domain.com.au
- www.realestate.com.au
- www.flatmatefinders.com.au
- www.share-accommodation.net
- www.ozflatmates.com
Tenants Union of Victoria
What: May be able help you to fill in forms or agreements related to your tenancy, advise you on specific problems (e.g. repairs, rent increases), negotiate and advocate on your behalf with your landlord or real estate agent, and assist or represent you at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Where: 55 Johnston Street Fitzroy
Website: www.tuv.org.au