Ten short-term homes have been built in Cardinia to accommodate women and children for up to two years, who have experienced family violence and are faced with homelessness.
Funded by the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation, this social housing initiative, 'Built for Good', is a standout partnership and collaboration between council, philanthropists, business and local community organisations. The project aims to pave the way for stable and secure housing in the area.
Local builders Sienna Homes have constructed the purpose-built housing complex, which includes onsite office, on council land. The goal is to respond to the social issue of family violence and the resulting homelessness that is often experienced.
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| Pictured at the launch (L - R): Vaughan McDonald, Elizabeth Thomas, Lucinda White, Cr Jeff Springfield, speaker Sam Stuckey, Dr Lynette Buoy. |
The need for social housing across the state has dramatically increased over the past two years, including in Cardinia. The social issue impacts significantly on the shire community. More than 220 people are experiencing homelessness across Cardinia Shire at any one time. This figure has increased 53% from 2011 to 2016.
Each day, on average, Pakenham police officers refer two women to family violence support-provider, Wayss. Of those seeking support for social housing in Cardinia Shire, 24.2% is due to family violence. Of all presentations, 92% are women.
Ways Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Thomas, said the flagship project is a model for others to follow nationwide.
"The Main Street Project provides the 10 families who live there with the security, stability and support they need to flourish and move on to live a better life," Ms Thomas said.
"A project of this scale can only become a reality with true collaboration and cooperation. The Main Street Project is a wonderful demonstration of the power of partnerships and has been made possible by the commitment of Cardinia Shire Council to provide the land for the development; the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation's generosity in funding the construction of the homes, Sienna Homes' contribution to the building project, and Wayss' and Windermere's specialised service skills."
Hear from Ms Thomas during the launch:
Hear from Ms Thomas during the launch:
Windermere Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lynette Buoy
"Being able to provide stable housing is the first step in truly allowing families to rebuild their lives. The opportunity to work with families to help them achieve their goals is the biggest honour we can be given. This partnership is amazing and a true gift combined with ambition and shared vision of improving people's lives that we are glad to be part of," Dr Buoy said.
The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation
The Foundation is proud to partner with Cardinia Shire Council, Wayss, Windermere, Sienna Homes and the suppliers to deliver this important project. It is wonderful to see what can be achieved when philanthropy, business, local council and housing support groups work together to help solve a problem that sadly affects all levels of our society. We believe it will provide great benefit to the women and children affected by homelessness and/or family violence, and the greater community as a whole.
Sienna Homes Director, Vaughan McDonald
"We are very proud of the homes we have constructed as part of this collaborative project. The homes have been built with the assistance of our suppliers and the support and dedication of our staff; something I am truly grateful for," Mr McDonald said.
"By building these 10 homes, we hope to provide women and children a safe and nurturing environment where they can rebuild their lives after the trauma of family violence. As part of the 'Built for Good' partnership, our ongoing objective is to advocate and seek out new opportunities to provide purpose-built housing for people in need."
Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Jeff Springfield
"'Built for Good' is a demonstration of Council's commitment to providing safe, secure and affordable housing for vulnerable people in Cardinia Shire," Cr Springfield said.
"Working collaboratively with Wayss, Windermere, Peter and Lyndy White Foundaction and Sienna Homes on this project has further proven the power of partnerships for achieving big, real change for our community.
"Council is very proud of the work that has gone into this five-partner collaborative project and we are privileged to be able to provide the land to enable such positive change in the lives of people within our community."
Hear from Cr Springfield during the launch:
Hear from Cr Springfield during the launch:
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