BeyondHousing, the largest community housing organisation in the region, has welcomed a partnership which will initially deliver nine new homes into a stretched singles’ accommodation market.
BeyondHousing CEO, Celia Adams said increasing the supply of affordable rental housing in the Goulburn Valley and North East is a key priority of the organisation over the next three years.
Earlier this week BeyondHousing signed an MOU with the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation (PLWF) to build nine one-bedroom units across Wangaratta, Shepparton and Seymour, with both parties contributing $1.2million.
“Last financial year, we assisted more than 3,600 people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. Almost half of them were single people on extremely low incomes. There is a shortage of affordable housing for single people, so they have very limited options,” Ms Adams said.
“We are delighted to have signed this agreement with PLWF. They have a strong commitment to addressing homelessness which is consistent with BeyondHousing’s own vision to end homelessness and our purpose, for all people to have safe secure affordable and appropriate housing. We wouldn’t have been able to deliver these nine homes without their generous support,” she said.
BeyondHousing and PLWF have been working together since 2015 and Ms Adams said the partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration.
“No organisation or group can address homelessness by itself. Collaboration is essential. Last month we announced the construction of three units for singles in Shepparton with the help of funding from the Victorian Property Fund on the approval of the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming & Liquor Regulation. We are working on partnerships to deliver more homes.
“We believe having a home is a human right and good design, energy efficient features and the latest technology will help make these units even more affordable for tenants. The units, which will be built by local companies, will be fully self-contained, with a private outdoor space and garage. They will be designed to maximise space and liveability.”
Ms Adams said BeyondHousing works closely with local builders which supports their efforts to offer jobs in the community and support other trades.
Construction of the nine homes will start over the next 12 months.