Whitehorse City Council has an Affordable Housing Policy ( PDF 270.75KB) which outlines what Council will do, or will consider doing, to support social and affordable housing within the municipality.

Council is a member of the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA), a collaboration with the cities of Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash and Yarra Ranges.

Founded in 2009, EAHA aims to ensure that the most disadvantaged people in the eastern metropolitan region can access safe, secure, affordable housing, with a view to better health outcomes and higher quality of life for all.  Its primary means for achieving this aim is advocacy.

The Alliance works to create enabling environments for increased investment by government and non-government stakeholders in social and affordable dwellings in the region.

To find out more please visit www.eaha.org.au

Read the latest research ( PDF 1.53MB) about social and affordable housing needs in the EMR.

Thirteen Councils representing two million residents in Melbourne’s east and south east have joined together in a unified voice using their significant representation to call for urgent action for more social housing to end homelessness.

The Regional Local Government Homelessness & Social Housing Charter 2020 ( PDF 1.14MB) prioritises three regional commitments, which the 13 Councils will act on:

• Work in partnership with federal and state government, public and private sector partners in a coordinated approach to deliver meaningful outcomes to increase the provision of social housing and respond to homelessness in east and south east Melbourne
• Scope land within each LGA that has the potential to be re-purposed for adaptable housing needs
• Advocate together for inclusive housing growth including mandatory inclusionary zoning.

Are you experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness? Please contact Community Housing Ltd (Ground Floor, 1 Chapel St, Blackburn), an entry point for assistance, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The contact number for Community Housing Ltd is 03 9856 0098.

Alternatively you can contact the Eastern Homelessness Network on 1800 825 955 to speak with a homelessness entry point worker (free call from a landline). The worker will discuss with you services and supports that may help.

Public housing is a form of long-term rental housing that is owned and managed by State Government.  To be eligible for public housing you should live in Victoria and meet the current income and assets limits. For more information please visit the HousingVic website.

Social housing is short and long-term rental housing that is owned and run by the government or not-for-profit agencies, such as housing associations.

The Gowanlea Independent Living Units in Box Hill provide accommodation for residents over 65 years of age who are able to live independently.

The Combarton Street Rooming House provides accommodation to single males over 30 years of age.

HousingFirst manages Gowanlea and Combarton Street Rooming House on behalf of Council. Please contact HousingFirst for more information.