'Crisis support not solution - housing ends homelessness': Incoming CEO

The board of Wayss has appointed Elizabeth Thomas to lead the organisation on a permanent basis, following a successful six-month tenure as Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Thomas brings a wealth of corporate experience to the role, which she is adamant will support Wayss' advocacy to increase affordable housing options for the benefit of homelessness and family violence clients, right across the regions of Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia and Frankston.

Newly appointed CEO, Elizabeth Thomas.

Ms Thomas said while Wayss must continue to provide immediate and supportive response to families in crisis, it is not the long-term answer. "Crisis response is not a solution to ending homelessness - quite simply, housing ends homelessness," she said.

Ms Thomas will continue to call for all levels of government to work with property investors, and the broader business and community service sector, to work strategically and immediately to increase investment in affordable and diverse housing options.

Wayss Chair, Steve Peterson, said Ms Thomas is the right person to lead the journey towards "the next phase of Wayss".

"As the landscape within the sector changes so significantly, so must Wayss. In her time as interim CEO, Elizabeth has worked with the board to drive the process of transformational change within the organisation," Mr Peterson said.

"Her skills and experience have been instrumental, as we move along the path of transition. We are thrilled to have secured Liz's ongoing services and the announcement means we have all-important stability."

During the course of her career, Ms Thomas has worked in executive leadership positions in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and most recently Hobart, where she was the Public Trustee of Tasmania and then the Managing Director of Tasmania's first Common Ground social housing project.

Elizabeth said there was genuine excitement among Wayss' 150-plus team for the new Wayss strategic plan, which had a clear focus on Wayss increasing housing options for clients.

"I very much look forward to continuing to lead Wayss' future service delivery," Ms Thomas said.

"Wayss is not the largest player in the sector, however, because of our size we can be nimble and responsive to opportunities, as and when they present. It also means that we can actively engage in strategic alliances and partnerships to maximise the impact of service we deliver to our clients and the community."