People experiencing homelessness now have more housing options with the opening of the first six of a planned 57 tiny homes on vacant government-owned land.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz and Minister for Housing Richard Wynne toured the units today to mark the beginning of Homelessness Prevention Week.
The six self-contained units are now home to people who have experienced homelessness, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives.
In an Australian-first project these units will be situated on nine parcels of land owned by VicRoads that have been leased to the Department of Health and Human Services on a $1 per year lease.
Each self-contained studio unit includes a kitchen, laundry, bathroom, heating and cooling system and energy efficiency features and is designed to have a lifespan of approximately 50 years.
Construction of each unit occurs offsite in Horsham, where the studios are completely assembled before being delivered to sites along Ballarat Road in Footscray and Maidstone.
Eight more units have been delivered to the second site on Ballarat Road, Footscray, with services to be connected in the coming weeks ready for residents to move in. The remaining 43 units are all expected to be occupied by June 2020.
The Andrews Labor Government contributed $3 million from the Victorian Property Fund to Launch Housing to fund this project. A further $4 million was provided by philanthropic fund Harris Capital.
We’re taking action to drive down homelessness, including $209 million for 1,000 new public housing properties and $50.4 million to help people at risk of homelessness in the private rental market. Our $45 million rough sleepers plan includes assertive outreach teams and accommodation units to provide shelter.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz
“This is a great initiative that is providing safe and secure housing for those most in need.”
“This is a first-of-its-kind project in Victoria to increase housing for those experiencing homelessness or those who are at risk of becoming homeless.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“We’re partnering with the community and private sector to make innovative use of Government resources, so we can help people get off the streets and into a place of their own.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020