The Andrews Labor Government is providing safe, secure housing for vulnerable women and their children, including those escaping family violence.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz visited community housing agencies in Melbourne’s east and south-east today to announce $6.2 million in Victorian Property Fund (VPF) grants for three social housing projects that will create 97 additional bedrooms.
The funding will support the development of a 20-unit housing complex in Lynbrook ($2.8 million), six detached two and three bedroom houses in Pakenham ($1.33 million), and a four-level 24-unit housing complex in Bayswater ($2.08 million).
Tenancies across all three projects will be made available to women from low-income households, particularly those escaping family violence, including single women and single mothers and their children.
The projects will be delivered by three highly regarded registered housing associations – Community Housing (Vic) Ltd (Lynbrook), Women’s Property Initiatives (Pakenham) and Women’s Housing Limited (Bayswater).
Community agencies have found that vulnerable women face challenges when seeking affordable housing because of the continuing significant demand for safe and affordable accommodation, due to factors such as reduced earning capacity as a result of being a primary carer for children and other relatives.
A significant number of women and children have also experienced family violence, which is a major driver of women accessing homelessness services and seeking housing assistance.
Accessibility and affordability for these women and their families is a key element of these projects, with all dwellings including environmentally sustainable design features to reduce energy and water use, and lower utility bills. Rent is capped at no more than 30 per cent of household income.
Community Housing (Vic) Ltd has also received a further $256,000 in VPF Environmentally Sustainable Housing Grants to carry out energy efficiency improvements to 98 existing social housing buildings.
These grants form part of more than $27.4 million the Victorian Property Fund has awarded to nine community agencies, funding social housing projects across the state, assisting low income and disadvantaged Victorians.
Applications for a further $21 million in grants are now open to not-for-profit community housing organisations.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz
“This will deliver social housing in Melbourne’s south and east that provides women and their children with safe and secure housing, to help them get ahead.”
“We’re investing in community agencies to help build projects that expand Victoria’s stock of social housing in areas of greatest need.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020