Tenancy Support

Meli helps people who are having trouble with their housing arrangements.

We have free programs for anyone who may be experiencing homelessness or may be at risk of becoming homeless.

If you live in public or community housing and are having difficulties, we will work with you to:

• maintain your tenancy wherever possible
• make sure it’s a safe place for you
• address any issues that contributed to you experiencing homelessness.

We may link you with other community supports and resources who will advocate on your behalf if we believe this will support you to achieve a better outcome.

Tenancy Plus program

This program supports individuals and families living in public or community housing, where their housing may be at risk. We work with people to maintain safe, appropriate, and sustainable accommodation.

Eligibility

• Current renters residing in public housing in the Barwon region.
• Current renters residing in community housing.

How to access this service

If you live in public housing or community housing, please call us on (03) 5226 8900 and ask to speak with someone in our intake team.

We accept referrals into the Tenancy Plus program at all times. Please be aware that during periods of high demand there may be a wait of several weeks to access this service.

Locations that provide this service

• Geelong
• Colac

For more information, refer to our Tenancy Plus brochure.

Support for Families at Risk of Homelessness (sFAR program)

Our Support for Families at Risk of Homelessness or sFAR program supports families who have recently moved into stable accommodation after experiencing homelessness, which aims to:

• address the issues that families face that may have led to their experience of homelessness
• support families to be able to maintain their tenancy independently, focusing on skill development and future planning.

The program supports people aged 18 and over who have children in their primary care. This can include grandparents and other formal care arrangements.

Eligibility

• Families with dependent children in their care, who:
• have recently exited the homelessness service system
• are residing in long-term accommodation
• have a range of complex needs
• are willing to engage with support and develop a case plan.

How to access this service

If you’ve recently secured long-term accommodation in public housing, community housing or private rental and need support for housing-related matters, please call us on (03) 5226 8900 or email housing@meli.org. au to find out more.

If you’re homeless or escaping family violence and need urgent housing, please call 1800 825 955.

We accept referrals into the sFAR program at all times. Please be aware that during periods of high demand there may be a wait of several months before you are allocated a case manager.

Locations that provide this service

• Barwon region (including Geelong, the Surf Coast and Colac)

Support for ongoing private rental tenancy issues (TAAP program)

Our Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy program (TAAP) supports tenants with a wide range of issues including:

• repairs
• rental increases
• notices to vacate
• bond refunds
• goods left behind
• VCAT hearings
• ending a lease
• breaches of the landlord’s duties

This program is for tenants living in private rental accommodation who are also experiencing financial disadvantage, family violence, or both.

Eligibility

You are eligible for this program if your main source of income is a Centrelink benefit, or if your income is insufficient to sustain your personal financial commitments.

Even if you’re not eligible for our TAAP program, we may still be able to provide you with information about your rights and obligations under your tenancy agreement as well as tenancy laws like the Residential Tenancies Act. We can also refer you to other services who may be able to help.

We can support you whether you’re renting through a real estate agent or directly from your landlord, caravan park or rooming house. We assist with disputes between tenants and their landlords or rental agents – this doesn’t include disputes between tenants, like issues you may be experiencing with a housemate.

How to access this service

Please call us on 1300 510 439 or email to intake@meli.org.au to find out more.
If you are homeless or escaping family violence and need housing, please call the Salvation Army on the contact number below.

Salvo Connect Homelessness Support (25yrs and over)
09 5223 5400
St Kilda Crisis Centre
1800 627 727

We accept referrals to this service at all times.

Locations that provide this service

• Wimmera South West Region (Warrnambool)