A supportive housing development in St Kilda is set to receive funding as part of the Victorian Government’s latest investment aimed at helping vulnerable Victorians move from rough sleeping into secure housing.
Victorian Minister for Housing and Building, Nick Staikos, announced Madden House would share in $15 million from the Victorian Budget 2026-27 alongside four other supportive housing sites in Melbourne, Seddon, Shepparton and Mildura.
The former rooming house has been transformed into 26 self-contained units with on-site support services, providing long-term accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
Residents moved into Madden House in December last year, with the development already contributing to a 12 per cent reduction in local by-name lists. Half of the residents are First Peoples and 12 are women.
The facility includes a consulting room, common room and outdoor recreation area, with residents supported through case management, health and mental health services delivered by VincentCare Victoria. Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation also provides cultural support and case management services.
The project has been delivered through a partnership between the Victorian Government, St Kilda Community Housing and the City of Port Phillip.
The Victorian Budget 2026-27 includes $47 million to tackle homelessness, including $26 million for outreach services targeting rough sleeping.
This builds on more than $300 million invested by the Victorian Government into specialist homelessness services supporting around 100,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness each year.
Victorian Minister for Housing and Building, Nick Staikos, said the project was delivering secure housing and support for vulnerable residents.
“Madden House is getting vulnerable Victorians off the streets and into secure housing, and we’re proud to back it,” Staikos said.
“Safe housing plus wraparound support – that’s what gets people back on their feet.”
Member for Albert Park, Nina Taylor, said the initiative would help more people access stable housing.
“We are proud to support this initiative – helping more people get off the streets and into stable and secure homes,” Taylor said.
City of Port Phillip Mayor, Alex Makin, said council was proud to support the project in partnership with Homes Victoria and St Kilda Community Housing.
“Port Phillip Council is proud to have contributed to this innovative project which, in partnership with Homes Victoria and St Kilda Community Housing, is providing safe homes for vulnerable rough sleepers – and the on-site support for them to thrive and stay in housing,” Makin said.
St Kilda Community Housing CEO, Andrew D’Arcy, said the development was already making a difference locally.
“Madden House gives 26 people who’ve been sleeping rough in Port Phillip a permanent home and a real chance to rebuild their lives — a first step toward ending rough sleeping in our community,” D’Arcy said.
To learn more about Madden House, visit homes.vic.gov.au
