Preventing Homelessness in Older Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities is a collaboration between Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) and Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG). The project is a response to an increasing awareness of housing issues for older migrant and refugee communities.

The report makes recommendations based on a detailed and targeted process of community consultation with specific ethnic communities as well as through the examination and analysis of case studies from Home at Last clients and Home at Last service data. The recommendations are designed to assist decision makers in planning inclusive services and to encourage the development and implementation of housing policies and diversity mechanisms that ensure equitable access for older members of culturally diverse communities.

Download the report here

Six communities were identified as having high proportions of older renters and being at risk of homelessness. They are:

• Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese)
• Arabic Speaking
• South Asian (Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu)
• Serbian
• Croatian
• Bosnian

The project was launched on the 22nd of April 2015 by the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott. The press release is available here.

Above Left- Minister Robin Scott launches the project.

Above Right- Project participants Lina Hassan, Leila Alloush and Mesko Ayouz from Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS).

Bi-Lingual Workers

16 Bi-Lingual Workers were trained to deliver information to their communities about housing options for older people and how the Home at Last service can assist people in housing stress.

Above- Bi-lingual workers display their certificates of achievement after taking part in 2 days of training.

In-Language Resources

Resources have been developed in close consultation with community reference groups. These include brochures, presentations and training packages for bi-lingual workers.

• Cantonese
• Mandarin
• Arabic
• Bosnian
• Croatian
• Serbian
• Tamil
• Punjabi
• Hindi
• Urdu

Project Outcomes

1. Home at Last Brochures were produced in 9 languages

Home at Last brochures are now available in  Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Tamil, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbian and Croatian.

2. A 200% increase in the number of people from the four key language groups finding long term secure, affordable housing

3. A 201% increase in the number of people from the four key language groups contacting Home at Last for Assistance

4. A 345% increase in the number of referrals to and from ethno-specific agencies:

For the full project report click here

For further information contact Gemma White, HAAG Project Officer on 9654 7389