Save the independent living houses at Judge Book (St Vincents Care Eltham). Fifty two residents with around half being Syrian and Iraqi refugees currently living at St Vincents Care in Eltham have been told they have until the end of the year to find new housing as they have decided it is not economically viable to continue. 

With St Vincents not willing to invest in upgrades to this facility what can be done? There is a solution that works for everyone!

I'm calling on the Victorian Housing and Multicultural Affairs Minister Colin Brooks MP to urgently make a submission for this year’s State budget to purchase and provide immediate renovations to these buildings from St Vincents Care and turn them into social housing with the current caveat of age 55 and older to allow the residents to continue to live in Eltham and as part of this community. 

With a shortage of social housing across the State this is an opportunity for the Government to make an immediate impact, reduce strain on social housing locally and to help the current residents at St Vincents Care to stay in the community they have deep connections with.

With social housing (or lack thereof) being a major issue both locally and across the State, the likelihood of finding appropriate and affordable housing to allow these residents to stay in the community is remote at best and every option must be explored to solve both the short and longer term problem.

This is above politics and about helping the residents of these Independent Living Units and providing certainty, comfort and compassion to those in need.

Please sign, support and share this petition to help the wonderful people currently facing an uncertain future.