The Outpost no closer to finding new home 18 months after search began

Finding a new home for a Geelong charity that helps feed and clothe the region’s homeless is proving trickier than first thought, with one local MP conceding it is taking longer than anticipated.

The Outpost vice-president Amy Flint and volunteer Asia Pogue. Picture: Mike Dugdale.

Finding a new home for a Geelong charity that helps feed and clothe the region’s homeless is proving trickier than first thought, with one local MP conceding it is taking longer than anticipated.

The Outpost has continued to operate out of the council-owned Busport building on Brougham St while Homes Victoria and City Hall work on finding a suitable location.

The search has been ongoing since 2022 when Geelong council flagged its intention to sell the property.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens. Picture: Mark Wilson.

That process has since paused amid a council review into asset sales, however all parties agree that a permanent home that provides certainty was much-needed.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said it was difficult to put a time frame on the search.

“I would have thought we would have found something by now,” she said.

“The challenge in relation to The Outpost is to find a suitable home that suits the unique and much-needed service they provide.

“I want The Outpost to continue what they do very well and the right venue is key to that.”

Demand for The Outpost’s services grew significantly last year, particularly among young people sleeping in their cars.

The state government has provided $50,000 funding to help prop up its operations this financial year.

At the time of the funding announcement, then-premier Daniel Andrews said: “We will put the full resources of the government to bear on this and we’ll find a home for them and it will be on that peppercorn (rent) basis.”

A Homes Victoria spokeswoman said the government was working closely with specialist agencies to support people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“Homes Victoria continues to discuss funding arrangements for The Outpost with the City of Greater Geelong and explore government-owned and other properties that may be suitable for the organisation long-term,” she said.

The Outpost has experienced an increase in demand at its current headquarters. Picture: Alan Barber.

Council has told The Outpost it can continue to use the Busport building – as it has done for more than two decades – until a new home is found.

Meanwhile, Geelong council has committed to opening a youth hub within the same building.

Community engagement, open to mid-March, will inform the design of the hub, as well as the services and activities it offers.

Council received state government funding of $400,000 for the project.

Originally published as The Outpost no closer to finding new home 18 months after search began