In Victoria, around half of all people exiting the state’s prison system are homeless. Access to stable accommodation is a key factor in people being able to break the cycle of recidivism. Jesuit Social Services in partnership with Corrections Victoria and G4S began operating the Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility in 2020.
The program works with men who have completed their prison sentences or are approved for parole and are ready to transition back into the community. It provides temporary accommodation and supports participants towards gaining long-term stable housing in the community. Additionally, participants benefit from wrap-around support to address their mental health, employment, education and training, alcohol and other drugs needs and to foster family connection.
It builds on Jesuit Social Services’ nearly 50 years of work with people who have contact with the criminal justice system, and our deep understanding of the importance of helping people to address the underlying factors behind their offending behaviour, to enable them to live productive and fulfilling lives.
More than 250 men have been supported by the program since it began, including people like John*.
“If I went somewhere else like my brother’s (house), I wouldn’t have gotten the support you guys give here like doctors, housing, all that type of stuff,” he says.
“When I got out (of prison) the first two times, I went back to my old habits, to drugs. But now when I feel down, someone’s there to lift me up and say ‘keep moving forward.’ I probably wouldn’t have been able to do that if I didn’t have this place. I’ve changed my whole life around; I didn’t think I’d ever come this far.”
Suzi, General Manager – Adult Justice Programs at Jesuit Social Services, says the program’s person-centred approach gives participants the best chance to lead positive and productive lives.
