First house handover

The keys to the first home funded with the support Homes for Homes were handed over to a young family in housing stress today.

Couple Jema and Romel with young daughter Isla were handed the keys to their beautiful new house located in the idyllic town of Yea, an hour north of Melbourne.

The modern three-bedroom house represents a bright new chapter in the family’s life, leaving behind a world of insecure housing and instability.

Up until now, Jema and Romel have faced incredible challenges in finding stable accommodation that was free from stress and danger.

In their more recent accommodation, they were exposed to drugs, violence and threats to their safety.

“With this new house our family can finally live together peacefully, and give Isla a normal, healthy and productive life,” Jema said.

“We already have plans to build a cubby house in the backyard for Isla, something we could never have dreamed of doing previously!”

Homes for Homes granted $40,000 toward the project. Habitat for Humanity (VIC) built the home and were one of the first recipients of Homes for Homes’ grant funding.

This house was the first social and affordable home created with Homes for Homes’ funding.

Homes for Homes Chief Operating Officer Sally Hines said the success of these projects shows how quickly Homes for Homes’ funding can make a difference in the community.

“Jema and Romel’s home is tangible evidence that Homes for Homes is creating a long-term generational solution that is on track to generate $1 billion over the next 30 years, which works because of the wonderful support we are getting from developers like Mirvac, Grocon and Capital Airport Group, community, business, and the Federal Government,” she said.