The Loddon Mallee Homelessness Network (LMHN) program is staffed by a Network Coordinator and Children’s Resource Program Coordinator based at the Centre for Non-Violence, Bendigo.
These roles are focused on providing resources, information and support to Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) workers in agencies throughout Loddon Mallee region. We also ensure that SHS staff have access to information about the broader housing sector and opportunities for networking and specialist education.
The Loddon Mallee Homelessness Network itself comprises all Specialist Homelessness Services and Community Housing Programs in the Loddon Mallee region, which covers approximately 45,000 square kilometres and contains nine local shire areas, with a total population size of over 300,000 people.
Mission
By providing opportunities for collaboration with all Specialist Homelessness Services in the Loddon Mallee Region we aim to:
- Be a voice for children experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Promote consistent service response across the network that adheres with relevant standards and legislation
- Advocate for social change
- Provide opportunities for professional development, networking and information exchange
- Provide opportunities for collaboration and partnership
- Influence, discuss implications of and develop responses to policy and program development
- Provide an opportunity for service gaps and issues to be identified by workers and/or agencies
- Undertake research and advocacy related to issues that affect people who are experiencing homelessness and those in housing crisis
Opening Doors
Opening Doors is an area based service coordination framework, intended to guide and improve client assessment, referral and resource allocation across the Victorian homelessness service system.