Huge community effort to highlight homelessness

August 17, 2024 BY Sandra James

Heathcote Community House executive officer Vicki Forde said she was very proud of the community for getting behind the project to make origami houses.

AT the end of last month, Victorian Homelessness Network displayed six thousand origami houses on the steps of Parliament House.

The display represented 10 per cent of the social houses needed in Victoria to alleviate the housing crisis.

The VHN is asking that the State and Federal Governments commit to build at least 60,000 appropriate social homes to meet the current need in Victoria.

Many Heathcote groups and individuals participated in folding the paper houses, including Heathcote Health Aged Care and Chatty Community Crafters.

“It was an outstanding community effort,” said community house executive officer Vicki Forde.

Crisis: Community members from all over the state made more than 60,000 origami houses to highlight the need for more social housing. Photo: SUPPLIED

“Thanks to Jodi from Haven Home Safe our houses joined others from all over the state to represent the need for more social housing.

“Our community supplied almost 1000 origami houses. Small rural towns like Heathcote desperately need more social and affordable housing options to ensure all people have stable and affordable shelter.

“Staff, volunteers and participants at community house were honoured to be involved in this project along with our friends at HH Aged Care.

“We hope the appropriate policy makers and departments now follow through and work towards reducing the social housing shortfall.”