Homes for Homes grants more than $138,000 to social housing projects
Homes for Homes has announced more than $138,000 will be granted to support three social housing projects across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Homes for Homes has announced more than $138,000 will be granted to support three social housing projects across Queensland and the Northern Territory. This marks the fourth time Homes for Homes has distributed funds to social and affordable housing projects, and the first time funds have been distributed across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Projects that have been awarded funding:
- Venture Housing Company in Johnston, Northern Territory will receive $70,000 to purchase and convert an existing privately rented three-bedroom property into affordable housing for low-income earners who are in housing stress in the private rental market.
- City Ventures in Townsville, Queensland will receive $50,300 to upgrade existing accommodation to enable young people to build their independent living skills as they re-engage in the community.
- Coast2Bay Housing Group in Nambour, Queensland will receive $18,179 to increase the standard of living for 10 women over 55 who will benefit from more affordable rental costs.
The announcement event was held online. In attendance was Mike Allen, Chair, Homes for Homes Housing Advisory Groups, Sonya Clancy, Chairman, Homes for Homes and Jo Waldon, PEXA, who spoke about the need for more social and affordable housing and congratulated the recipients of the funding.
Allan McGill AM, Chair, Venture Housing Company, expressed his thanks for the support of Homes for Homes.
“This $70,000 grant is greatly appreciated. It has enabled a family of five, previously in housing stress, to move to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit. The family is genuinely grateful and excited about this opportunity.”
Homes for Homes’ Chief Executive Officer, Steven Persson said the funding comes at an essential time, and 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. The need for appropriate housing and to end homelessness is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters – posing a major challenge for our community and country at large” Mr Persson said.
“Homes for Homes is a community solution and funding milestones like these show the power of coming together to make significant inroads in solving this problem.
“We are excited to provide funds to three new projects that will help up to 43 people living on the margins, and expand Homes for Homes into new states and territories. This grant round was made possible from generous donations made from property owners and our partnership with PEXA.”
PEXA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Glenn King spoke of PEXA’s commitment to help create housing for some of Australia’s most vulnerable.
“PEXA has contributed $250,000 over a two-year period towards extending the successful Homes for Homes grant funding program, and was humbled to hear the impact the funds will have on the awarded recipients in both the Northern Territory and Queensland. Our people, our members and the wider industry are passionate about this cause, and we look forward to future grant funding rounds.”
Since launching in 2015, Homes for Homes has granted more than $1.28m in funds to community housing providers, and is on track to raise in excess of $1 billion over 30 years.
Previous projects funded by recent Homes for Homes grant rounds include YWCA Canberra properties for older women and women with children experiencing family violence, and Community Housing Canberra (CHC) properties which will help women transition from custody to secure housing, employment and community connections.