HOMES for Homes, a not-for-profit group, has donated $245,000 to support community housing providers on the Mornington Peninsula, which is experiencing the highest number of people experiencing homelessness of any local government area in the state.
The independent organisation, created by Australia’s largest and most successful social enterprise, The Big Issue, raises funds for social and affordable housing through property donations. A cheque was formally presented to two grant recipients on the peninsula by representatives from Homes for Homes on 13 October.
The successful projects awarded funding included the Kids Under Cover branch in Mornington ($145,000) to install a semi-independent studio in the backyard of a residential care home, so young people can experience independent living while remaining connected to their support network. The Women’s Property Initiatives was also granted $100,000 to assist in providing four one-bedroom homes for older women, and three two-bedroom homes for single mothers.
“Housing creates transformational change, and we’re thrilled that with this grant round we can provide more Victorians with the opportunity to have safe and secure housing,” Homes for Homes CEO Steven Persson said. “I congratulate our funding recipients and know they will create an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of many.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro, who attended the presentation, thanked Homes for Homes for their generous contribution and their commitment to “making a difference”.
“In the past year alone, more than 900 people have sought help through homelessness services across our region,” he said at the gathering, noting more than 2600 applications remain on the social housing waitlist across the peninsula. “At the end of June, 110 people were recorded as homeless – most of them sleeping in tents, cars, or on our foreshore reserves. Many are women, young people, and older residents over 55.”
Pingiaro added despite limited funding and limited support from the state government, council was taking action by “supporting local initiatives, advocating for urgent investment, and working with our community partners to deliver real, lasting solutions”. He told attendees the shire had also partnered with YWCA Australia and Women’s Property Initiatives to deliver 17 new homes in Mornington and Hastings for women and children on council-owned land, which would come to life with the help of the grant.
Since 2015, Homes for Homes has channelled almost $3m into 28 housing projects nationwide, supporting housing outcomes for more than 400 people.
