The Northern and Western Homelessness Networks (NWHNs) work with the six other regional networks across Victoria funded to bring services together to share information, identify common needs and gaps in service provision, and establish close working relationships to promote and assist the best possible response to homelessness within a regional context. Core members are homelessness and family violence agencies receiving funded from the Homelessness Assistance Support Program.
There is a Network Coordinator in each region who manage the Network activities. These positions are auspiced by Wombat Housing and Support Services and Launch Housing. Steering Groups made up of representatives from Specialist Homelessness Services, Family Violence services and the auspice agency informs the general direction of the Network.
NWHN Vision: An end to homelessness
NWHN Aim: We aim to achieve this vision by creating opportunities for all N & W Homelessness Assistance Services to come together to:
- Develop an informed regional voice on homelessness;
- Address the causes of homelessness;
- Advocate for improved responses to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; and
- Build the capacity of the regional service system
The Networks' catchments covers the local government areas of Melton, Wyndham, Brimbank, Hobson's Bay, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, parts of the CBD of Melbourne in the West, Hume, Moreland, Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Banyule, Darebin and Yarra.