by Emma Ballingall
The homelessness crisis is urgent, real and here in Baw Baw Shire.
As it stands across the shire, more than 130 people are currently experiencing homelessness, some 770 households are facing housing stress and 1000 households are on a social housing wait list. And, support systems are stretched beyond their limits.
Crs Ben Lucas and Suzanne Allen provided this snapshot after an officer report into homelessness was tabled at Wednesday's council meeting.
Cr Lucas, who called for the report, said "I never introduced this as a point for us to be able to tip a heap of money in and solve all of the world's problems."
Instead, he hoped council could act to link services, start conversations and consider homelessness when developing council's advocacy priorities.
Cr Allen thanked Cr Lucas for "giving the homelessness in Baw Baw the platform it deserves."
"In Baw Baw, homelessness is growing; often hidden but deeply felt," she said.
"Council must play a proactive role. We're the level of government closest to the community and best placed to advocate for smart, compassionate solutions."
Cr Allen praised support services but noted "the system is stretched beyond its limits."

"Social housing makes up three to four per cent of total stock, yet po