Disability housing program takes its Canberra success across Australia
Project Independence is expanding from Canberra into three states. It has proven that people with intellectual disabilities can own homes.
Project Independence began 14 years ago to address the shortage of accessible housing for people with intellectual disabilities. Now it is expanding across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.
The non-profit has secured its first interstate site in Glen Huntly, Melbourne. Development approval has already been granted.
Active land searches are underway in Geelong, Sydney, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast. Founder Glenn Keys said only 0.1 per cent of surveyed rental properties are affordable to Disability Support Pension recipients, down from only 0.1 per cent a year earlier.
Across 30 existing homes in the ACT, 17 residents have successfully used the program to move into broader homeownership. The Glen Huntly development will create 10 units plus a residence for a live-in coordinator.
Keys said governments and communities must see progressive home ownership as a formal housing solution.
- 14 years ago
- Founded
- 0.03 per cent
- Affordable rentals available
- 17 residents
- ACT homeownership successes
- 10 units plus coordinator residence
- Glen Huntly units planned
Why it mattersPeople on disability support have almost no access to affordable housing in the private market. This model has proven it can change that.
AustraliaThousands of Australians with intellectual disabilities who currently cannot afford to rent or buy will have access to a pathway to homeownership if the expansion reaches their state.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 41 min ago
