As Homelessness Week approaches, running from 4 to 10 August, Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is stepping up its Origami-house-folding activities for the Houses at Parliament campaign.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the growing and urgent need for affordable housing across Victoria.
Recent Census data reveals a sobering reality with 30,660 Victorians, including 6800 children, counted as homeless.
This represents 27 per cent of the national total.
The problem is especially acute for young people, with a quarter of those experiencing homelessness in Victoria aged just 12-25, despite this group making up just 18 per cent of the population.
Family violence remains a leading cause, with 45 per cent of women and girls experiencing homelessness reporting family violence as the reason.
Building on last year’s powerful demonstration at Parliament House, this year’s campaign, coordinated by the Victorian Homelessness Network, invites everyone to join the movement.
Individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to fold origami houses as a symbol of hope and solidarity.
The goal is to fold 60,000 origami houses across the state, each one representing a new home that is urgently needed in Victoria.
Participants are encouraged to display their houses in street-facing windows and share photos online.
Instructions can be found at homelessnessaustralia.org.au/homelessness-week/
Homelessness isn’t just about the absence of a roof.
It can lead to a range of legal and social challenges, including fines, debt, complex family law issues and mental health decline.
ECLC provides free legal advice and connections to local support services for anyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
If you or someone you know requires free legal help, contact ECLC for confidential advice and support on 1300 32 52 00 or use the online form at eclc.org.au/help for an appointment.
More resources are also available at justiceconnect.org.au/our-services/homeless-law/
