Homes Victoria in partnership with community housing organisation Haven Home Safe have delivered four new social housing homes in Ararat – in Victoria’s south west.
Partnering with community housing organisations helps Homes Victoria best work to provide more Victorians with a home.
Community housing organisations are not-for-profit organisations, and often provide additional services within their communities. This means that they have important insights into how we can best support people within the local community in need of social housing.
Homes Victoria CEO Simon Newport said that renters are at the centre of this project, and the organisation’s mission to deliver more and better homes.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is being able to provide fit-for-purpose homes to renters,” Mr Newport said.
“Partnering with Haven Home Safe and other community housing organisations is a key part of being able to provide renters with homes that meet their needs.
“And we know these homes make a difference. When one renter found out they would be moving into one of the new homes, they said: ‘I am so excited – you have just made my year!’”
In addition to building and managing community housing homes, Haven Home Safe provide support programs for people experiencing homelessness or in housing stress, rough sleepers, private rental and people experiencing financial stress or hardship.
Haven Home Safe CEO Trudi Ray said that the community housing organisation was proud to contribute quality social housing homes in regional Victoria.
“Haven Home Safe is pleased to be delivering these high-quality, energy efficient, homes for Ararat. It is critical for Community Housing, all levels of Government and developers to continue to prioritise investing in regional Victoria.
“Quality, affordable housing in regional and rural Victoria is fundamental to ensure that we continue to support and build strong, connected communities.
The location of these homes enables renters to connect with their community. Just a short walk away they have access all amenities including healthcare, schools, childcare, shopping, and public transport.”
About the project
New homes like these new Ararat homes increase the amount of social housing available to renters, as well as the variety of the housing offered.
Renters have different needs and requirements depending on things like their household size, age, medical conditions, and other circumstances. This can include:
- the amount of bedrooms
- accessibility and home modifications
- the location
- community housing support.
These new homes meet Victorian accessibility standards, which means that they are better suited for a wider range of renters.
By considering accessibility in the design of new homes – renters are better supported to live independently where possible. It also makes it easier for home modifications like grab rails to be installed if needed – helping renters continue to live independently as they age.
These new homes in Ararat are only a short walk to public transport, local shops, parks and recreation facilities. The location of social housing homes is an important consideration in all our projects. Where possible, homes are built close to local amenities to support renters in easily accessing the employment, goods and services they need.