Staff members from Shepparton’s The Bridge Youth Service joined fellow housing service providers from across the state at Melbourne’s Parliament House on Wednesday, July 31.

The Bridge, a member of the Goulburn Ovens Murray Homelessness Network, added its collective effort to Victorian Homelessness Network’s Houses at Parliament campaign, folding more than 600 origami houses to raise awareness of the urgent need for at least 60,000 additional, appropriate social housing homes in Victoria.

Six-thousand origami houses, symbolising 10 per cent of the actual need, were showcased on the steps of Parliament House. The vibrant and colourful display contrasted sharply with the serious message conveyed.

Speakers at the event included Council to Homeless Persons CEO Deborah Di Natale, Victorian Homelessness Network MC Rhonda Collins, lived experience advocate Jason Russell and Minister for Water, Regional Development, and Equality Harriet Shing.

“Thirty-thousand Victorians, every night are experiencing homelessness,” Ms Di Natale told the gathered crowd.

“People who are in full-time employment for the first time ever are seeking the support of homelessness services – it’s gone up 14 per cent. That means that there are 12,000 Victorians in employment who are really at the cusp of being able to keep a roof over their heads.”

The Bridge Program Manager Renae Ford said it was inspiring to stand alongside fellow homelessness service representatives and numerous MPs, including State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe.

“It was important for us at the Bridge to be a part of the advocacy to end homelessness and for us to represent the young people we support in the Goulburn region of Victoria,” Ms Ford said.

“Standing alongside those in the sector, with similar stories, challenges, limited resources but a whole lot of passion was inspiring.

“It was incredible to listen to keynote speakers and share our experiences with members of Parliament, in particular Kim O’Keefe.”

The Houses at Parliament campaign, kicking off ahead of Homelessness Week (August 5-11), will see Victorian homelessness services showcasing origami house displays at their offices.

The campaign is asking that state and federal governments commit to:

• ​Building at least 60,000 additional, appropriate social homes to meet the current need in Victoria; and to
• Implement the 10-year National plan, with a commitment to end homelessness.

The statewide tally of folded origami houses stands at 67,601.