Windana Supported Accommodation offers a community-based program for adults and families whose lives have been affected by drugs and alcohol use.
The program aims to:
- provide short term transitional accommodation (average length of stay 6-12 months) to alcohol and drug service clients who have undergone a drug withdrawal program or who require assistance in addressing drug and alcohol related issues;
- negotiate an individual treatment plan with each person participating in the program;
- create new networks to support employment, education, training, recreation, housing, mental health, personal and social needs of each person- opening up opportunities for positive new directions; and
- support people with practical assistance to enhance each person’s quality of life through skill acquisition, counselling and relapse prevention in safe, secure and affordable accommodation.
- Supported Accommodation participants are encouraged to access the range of programs available through Windana such as naturopathy, massage, personal counselling, family counselling and parenting groups, art therapy and peer support groups.
Where is it located?
Houses, flats and units are located across the Southern suburbs of Melbourne.
How does the program work?
When people first enter the program, they reside in a four bed-roomed property in the southern suburbs for approximately five weeks. Compulsory daily requirements include: groups every week day morning, art therapy, weekly social activities, a weekly larger group with other clients and the provision of supervised urine screens.
Once people have completed this phase they can apply for the second phase of the program.
The second phase involves residing in the southern suburbs, sharing with another person (if they have children in their care they will be housed as a family). Clients are allocated a case worker, work on their treatment goals, attend a weekly group and link into other support networks.
Who is Supported Accommodation for?
The program is open to people over the age of 21- including single people, women with children (or men) with children and families who require safe, affordable accommodation while they explore solutions to their drug and alcohol related problems.
People on substitute pharmacotherapy such as Methadone and Buprenorphine medication may also be eligible.
How do people access Supported Accommodation?
Step 1. Phone 9529 7955 or email dutyworker@windana.org.au for a referral. (You can refer yourself) Further details of the program will be discussed.
Step 2. Provide two supervised urine screens which must be drug and alcohol free, or have an admission date for a residential withdrawal program.
Step 3. An assessment will take place when there is a vacancy in the program.
Step 4. If there is no vacancy, you may be asked to make phone contact until a place becomes available.
Staffing
Staff do not reside at any of the properties but visit clients in their homes on a weekly basis.
Cost
The rent is 25% of your income. There is also a weekly cost for amenities.
Download the Supported Accommodation Brochure
Download the Women and Women With Children Brochure