Each year Juno supports 300 women across Melbourne’s Northern suburbs. As well as experiencing homelessness, many of the women we support face additional challenges. These include (but are not limited to) family violence, mental health, trauma and substance issues. A lot of the women we work with have been turned away by other service providers.
Two-thirds of the women we see have children in their care, and 40% are born overseas. Over half are living with a diagnosed mental illness, and 70% are survivors of family violence. All the women Juno supports are living on or below the poverty line.
Women’s experiences of homelessness are fundamentally different from that of men. We know that support and recovery needs require tailored, specialised responses that reflect the unique experiences of women (and their children) to have the best possible chance of maintaining permanent, safe housing. Our approach to case management is non-judgemental, evidence-based, trauma informed and personalised.
In Victoria, if you’re experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis, the first step is to contact a local Homelessness Access Point. An Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) worker will assess your support needs and then refers you onto Juno or other specialist support services. As there is no direct referral process, clients come to us through Access Points. Find a Victorian Access Point.
