“The social stigma of community housing is not the reality. We just want somewhere safe to live and flourish.”
Jasmine and her dog, Penny, are among renters welcomed to new social housing in the regional suburb of Belmont in Geelong.
Jasmine has faced ongoing challenges to find a safe and suitable place to live throughout her life, including periods of time where she experienced homelessness.
Moving into social housing has given Jasmine a sense of security that has allowed her to pursue her passions, including volunteering in her local community.
The affordability of community housing freed up money and meant I had stability and a home for the first time,” the final year Deakin University sociology student said.
The new homes are managed by Housing Choices Australia - a not for profit, community housing organisation.
Their goal is to provide people with the fundamental right of safe housing.
Chief Commercial Officer Brian Motz said the organisation “always has renters at the front and centre of everything we do”.
About the project
The 29 new homes were developed by not-for-profit community housing organisation Housing Choices Australia, with funding from Homes Victoria as a part of the Big Housing Build.
Housing Choices Australia will also manage the homes and provide support to the renters living on the site.
The site previously held 16 out of date homes that were no longer fit for purpose.
The new homes were designed by Kennedy Nolan Architects to be sustainable and comfortable. They feature large, spacious balconies, double glazed windows, and air-conditioning throughout.
There are community spaces including a community garden, a community room, and an outdoor gathering space.
What is social housing?
Social housing is an umbrella term that includes both public housing and community housing.
Public housing is owned and managed by Homes Victoria, whereas community housing is managed by not-for-profit community housing organisations.
All types of social housing are safe, long-term places to live for people who are on a low income or who face other challenges in securing housing that meets their needs.
This includes people who are:
- unemployed
- people on low incomes
- people living with a disability or a mental illness or who are at risk of homelessness
- people escaping family violence.
Seeking more information?
- email enquiries@homes.vic.gov.au
- call 1300 650 172 (local call in Victoria). If you're interstate, overseas or on a mobile, please call (61 3) 9096 0000.
- Read more about Homes Victoria news, including project updates and stories from our renters.
- Sign up to the Homes Victoria email mailing list to stay up to date with events, project updates and more.