Provider launches affordable apartments to address housing crisis

A prominent aged care provider in Victoria is chipping in to alleviate Australia's housing crisis by introducing affordable apartments for older people with a low income.

On Friday, Catholic for-purpose organisation Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) will unveil 39 apartments in Trinity Lane in Melbourne’s suburb, Ivanhoe.

Nearly 20,000 people over 55 were experiencing homelessness in 2021, an increase of 55 per cent since 2006 and nearly 4 per cent since 2016.

VMCH board chairman, Julien O’Connell, said the reports were ‘terrible’ and revealed an urgent need to find solutions for older people on the verge of homelessness.

“There’s not enough affordable housing stock to keep up with demand,” O’Connell said.

“We must do more to help older people who have given so much to our society and deserve to live in comfort but, instead, struggle to put a roof over their heads.”

A nationwide shortage of social and affordable housing and the soaring cost of living are considered the primary reasons behind the growing housing and homelessness crisis. 

While the yearly income of a single pensioner grew by $2,460 and $3,832 for couples since mid-2022, rental rates outpaced this rise in all capital cities except Brisbane and Adelaide.

For both single and dual pensioners, rent in Australia’s major cities is rated extremely to severely unaffordable, commanding at least half of a pensioner’s income.

It’s estimated that only 0,1 per cent of all rental listings across Australia were affordable for someone on an Age Pension in 2022.

Christian charity Mission Australia chief, Sharon Callister, said the lack of government intervention aggravated the housing crisis. 

“Australia’s housing crisis has been exacerbated by the long-term absence of a serious and sizable commitment to building new social and affordable homes,” Callister said.

“Those on the lowest and even moderate incomes are increasingly left without an affordable and secure home.

“Behind these numbers are thousands of men, women and children living in the most precarious situations.”

Federal data estimated that Australia would need 891,000 new social and affordable housing within 20 years, potentially costing the government $290 billion.

“Australia needs a long-term and far greater commitment from governments to build new social and affordable homes to meet the stark shortfall,” Callister said.

“This is a nationwide issue that needs a commitment from everyone, all governments, the corporate sector, charities and individuals if we are to have any hope of ending homelessness in Australia.”

Over 120,000 Australians experienced homelessness on the census night of 2021 – an increase of 5.2 per cent to 2016.

The number of older people accessing specialist homelessness services also grew by nearly 77 per cent over the last decade.

Older women, in particular, are at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness.

Over 60 per cent more older Australian women accessed specialist government housing services in the last five years.

The number of women over 55 facing homelessness also increased by 30 per cent between 2011-16, accounting for almost 7,000.

O’Connell said VMCH wanted to help ‘ease the housing struggle for those who needed it most.’

The apartments at Trinity Lane are designed to promote intergenerational connections and create a strong community feeling.

“We’re planning to invest into more affordable housing projects in the future,” O’Connell said.

“We want our residents to feel secure, safe and comforted by the fact that their tenancy here is forever if they choose. 

“These homes are not temporary rentals; they’re homes for life.”

One of Trinity Lane’s new residents, Helen, is moving in from VMCHs homes nearby Lower Heidelberg Road.

Helen is considered to be included in a group which is the most at risk of experiencing homelessness.

After she divorced her husband 40 years ago, she found herself on the brink of homelessness following a string of 'bad business decisions made by her ex-husband.'

Helen said she decided to move into VMCH because of the financial strain.

“When I first saw this place, I was overwhelmed; it’s such a beautiful building,” she said.

“I lost everything, and now I’m here; I feel so fortunate.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is my final home.”

Do you have an idea for a story?
Email [email protected]