By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CRITICALLY low levels of social housing in Cardinia shire is becoming an increasingly bigger problem as the population swells.
Some people on struggle street have said that food and health care for themselves and their families are taking second place to paying their rent.
Social housing in the municipality represents less than 1 per cent of all properties in the municipality and rose by just a quarter of the population growth rate according to data from the Department of Human Services.
However, the latest proposal to boost social housing options in the area is being fought by residents who cite fears of social and financial consequence resulting from the demographic of people who would be assigned to proposed welfare homes in Storey Road, Pakenham.
Reports show that even those who have a roof over their heads are struggling to get by.
Essentials including food, health care and clothing are being cut back by financially stretched renters who are attempting to make payments.
Approximately 14 clients applied for housing help at a south-east crisis centre each week at the start of last year – the same year that financial hardship was identified as the leading cause of stress experienced by residents in growth areas like Cardinia shire.
Data has revealed that Cardinia shire’s population expanded by 16 per cent in the four years up to 2015, but social housing increased by just 4.4 per cent.
The municipality is serviced but just two crisis accommodation properties and three registered rooming houses.
The lack of affordable accommodation has been the source of a host of issues including couch surfing, overcrowding and residential houses being converted into unregistered rooming houses – some of which have been discovered and closed by council officers due to a lack of appropriate permits.
Westernport Accommodation and Youth Support Service (WAYYS) has said that reported family violence, financial difficulties and job insecurity were the top reasons for housing assistance requests in the region.
A council proposal to build the 10-house block for family violence victims and homeless families in Storey Road is in the works.
But it’s faced fierce opposition by residents who fear it will impact safety and amenity at the Henty Park Estate neighbourhood.
More than 40 submissions and a petition against the plan will be heard by councillors who will hand down their final decision on Monday 18 July.
