Championing equality and inclusivity: A special visit to Ozanam House

Earlier this week, Ozanam House had the honor of hosting a special visit from Victorian Minister Harriet Shing, who holds the portfolios for Equality and Housing. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community herself, Minister Shing’s visit carried special significance, highlighting her dedication to causes close to her heart.

Equality is one of Minister Shing’s many portfolios (the other is housing) – and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community herself – it is clearly a portfolio close to her heart.

Group CEO Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald and EGM of VincentCare’s Community Services Paul Turton  were delighted to show Minister Shing around Ozanam House and introduce her not only to our services, but also to our LGBTQIA+ safe spaces, such as Anna’s room.

With people at the centre of what we do, we believe that equality, safety and respect should never be negotiable.

That’s why we stepped up to lead, with our agency and community partners, Pride in Place. Pride in Place is a program specially designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing homelessness.

Pride in Place offers comprehensive, safe and inclusive recovery pathways, ensuring that all individuals feel welcome and respected from the moment they walk through our doors. We feel immensely proud to have played our part in supporting 576 people since the program commenced.

Minister Shing’s visit not only underscored the importance of our Pride in Place Program; it also reaffirmed our shared commitment to championing equality and inclusivity.

At VincentCare and St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, our ultimate aim is to foster more compassionate communities. We will continue to work closely with the government to help build communities where everyone feels valued and accepted.

You can read more here: Supporting LGBTIQA+ Victorians At Risk Of Homelessness | Premier of Victoria