Three Melbourne rooming houses will be given a new lease of life - upgraded to improve safety for residents.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley said the three properties in Ascot Vale, Flemington and St Kilda were being rejuvenated under the Victorian Government’s $10 million upgrade program.
The rooming houses, which currently have shared facilities, will be converted into community housing properties with security and self-contained accommodation.
The project provides an opportunity to not only improve the safety and amenity of rooming house accommodation, but will allow disadvantaged tenants to better engage with community and support services.
Shared communal living, bathroom and kitchen facilities are an outdated model of accommodation, especially for women often impacting on their physical and mental health and their pathway to a better life.
Apart from far better physical conditions for tenants, it also means more opportunities for tenants to socialise with the surrounding community, reduced conflict among tenants and lower turnover of support staff.
Current tenants will be relocated during the construction phase but will have the option to return once the buildings are finished.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“These new facilities will give some of our most vulnerable Victorians a safe environment and a better chance to transition out of homelessness.”
“I have met and spoken to many rooming house tenants – some of the conditions they face are not ideal and I know that these upgrades will make a real difference in their lives.”
“Not only will these buildings become a safe and welcoming place to live, they will also incorporate the latest environmentally sustainable design to assist in reducing maintenance and operating costs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Essendon, Danny Pearson
“Women’s Housing Limited do outstanding work in providing safe, secure and affordable housing choices in my community and this much needed upgrade will see more people use this facility in times of need.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020