Renters have been welcomed to new social housing in the regional suburb of Belmont in Geelong.
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 ageing homes that were no longer fit for purpose.
The new homes were designed by Kennedy Nolan Architects to be sustainable and comfortable and feature large, spacious balconies, double glazed windows, and air-conditioning throughout.
The homes are built with shared spaces including a community garden, a community room, and an outdoor space where residents can gather and interact.
Brian Motz Housing Choices Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer, said the goal is to provide people with the fundamental right of safe housing.
“We always have the renters at the front and centre of everything we do,” Mr Motz said.
Michael Mikulic, Housing Choices Australia’s Development Manager, said community housing provides stability for renters which enables them to focus on other positive aspects of their life.
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.