Homes for Homes gives $200,000 boost to social housing projects
Homes for Homes has announced it will provide $200,000 to support two projects which will increase Australia’s supply of social and affordable housing.
YWCA Canberra will receive $100,000 towards establishing social housing in Canberra while Homes for Homes will provide another $100,000 to assist Community Housing Canberra build two homes which will help women transition from custody to secure housing, employment and community connections.
Established by Australia’s largest and most successful social enterprise, The Big Issue, Homes for Homes is an independent, not-for-profit organisation helping to solve one of Australia’s biggest social issues – ending homelessness.
Homes for Homes’ Chief Executive Officer, Steven Persson said the funding has been made possible with the support of many, including property developers, the Federal Government, several state governments, partners and broader community.
“By 2036 the gap between the supply and demand for social housing is projected to grow to as much as one million properties – posing a major challenge for our community at large,” Mr Persson said.
“Homes for Homes is an all-of-community solution and funding milestones like these show the power of coming together to make significant inroads in solving this problem.”
Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing Michael Sukkar said the Federal Government is pleased to contribute to the continued success of Homes for Homes having committed $6 million seed funding over 4 years in the 2017-18 Budget.
“The seed funding provided to Homes for Homes has established a long-term approach to creating more social and affordable housing and we are pleased that they are already making a tangible difference with announcements such as those made today” Minister Sukkar said.
Homes for Homes raises funds through voluntary donations from homeowners agreeing to include a caveat on property titles, which enables a tax deductible donation of 0.1% of the sale price to be made to Homes for Homes. This funding is granted to experienced housing providers to increase the supply of social and affordable housing.
Homes for Homes is on track to raise in excess of $1 billion over 30 years and has already allocated nearly one million dollars in funding since launching in 2015.
Pictured: Andrew Hannan, CEO CHC Affordable Housing, The Hon Michael Sukkar MP, Gavin Jackman, Homes for Homes, Frances Crimmins, CEO YWCA Canberra, Tracy Longo, Homes for Homes. Photo by Brenton Colley.