JUST over twelve months since the sod was turned on a specialist disability accommodation project in North Bendigo, two units are now ready to provide affordable and accessible housing for people living with disabilities.<\/p>\n
In 2015, a five-acre lot that homed the Amicus Community Services\u2019 offices was sold by the not-for-profit organisation as they moved their operations to the Bendigo CBD.<\/p>\n
The profits from the sale were put into establishing the two units that have been built with accessibility features and physical support systems in place.<\/p>\n
Acting CEO of Amicus, Melissa Zera, said the next step is the application process to get people on NDIS support living in the homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a really proud moment and we\u2019re looking forward to seeing the impact it\u2019ll have possibly for people who will live in these two units,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really excited for applications to open and to see who might move into these homes. It might give somebody the opportunity to leave hospital, it might be an opportunity for somebody to move out of aged care, to use their supports different and live a more independent life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The first unit is a high physical support home, built with technology features, such as lifts, and automation that can be customised for the tenant\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n
The second is an improved liveability home, for tenants who do not need full modifications, but can benefit from wider corridors and doors and easier-to-access appliances.<\/p>\n
Acting COO of Haven; Home, Safe, Rachel Gellatly said the unique project proves it\u2019s possible to build affordable housing at a time when not much land is available.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows that it can be done,\u201d she said. \u201cIt takes partnerships and drive, the environment hasn\u2019t been that welcoming over the past few years so it takes perseverance.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it can happen and the mechanisms are out there it\u2019s just about getting those moving parts together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a significant under supply of affordable housing for a variety of cohorts, but specifically disability housing.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Ms Gellatly, there are about 30 people on the register for support disability accommodation.<\/p>\n
With the two new units, Haven now currently owns and manages 15 SDA properties.<\/p>\n
Amicus will work alongside ActiveSDA, a service of Haven, to get suitable tenants into the homes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
JUST over twelve months since the sod was turned on a specialist disability accommodation project in North Bendigo, two units are now ready to provide affordable and accessible housing for people living with disabilities. In 2015, a five-acre lot that homed the Amicus Community Services\u2019 offices was sold by the not-for-profit organisation as they moved […]<\/p>\n