As rental availability falls to historic lows in regional communities, Uniting’s Bendigo Housing Development offers some relief to the area’s most vulnerable people.
The recently opened $44 million housing project, made up of 73 one-and-two-bedroom units, has provided homes for 130 people on the priority housing waitlist.
This includes individuals and families experiencing homelessness, living with a disability, victim survivors of family violence, women over 55, and people living in unsafe or unsuitable housing.
Among them is 71-year-old tenant, Trish, who has rented all her life and moved house over 40 times.
She’s raised two children as a single mum, worked countless jobs, and now cares for her husband Phil, 67, who lives with a disability after a series of strokes.
“I’ve never owned a place,” shares Trish. “I raised my kids in commission houses. Always lived week to week.” Originally from Bendigo, Trish convinced Phil to move back there from Melbourne 15 years ago, although they soon found the regional rental market offered little improvement.
“Our last place, they put the price up again and we just couldn’t afford it,” says Trish.
After spotting the Myers Street community housing on Uniting’s website, Trish submitted an application and was thrilled when they were offered a place.
“I’ve never lived in brand new ever before – it’s beautiful – it’s the thing I’m most excited about,” she shares.
“As long as we pay our rent, which we can do no problem, we’ll be here until they take me to the cemetery.”
Single mother Sherree is another new tenant at the Myers Street complex. The young mother of two energetic boys had worried about where her family would sleep each night when she was referred to Uniting Housing through support services.
Sheree and her boys were living in motels and camping cabins after leaving Echuca where she’d struggled to meet private rent for two years.
“I’ve been in fighting, survival mode for a long time,” she shares. “I feel like I’m coming out of a hell hole. I feel like a new phase is beginning.”
Within two months of moving to Bendigo, Sheree has enjoyed the safety and calm her new community has to offer.
“There was a time when I withdrew from the world, but here I’m much better,” she says.
“I’ve been to the fun parks and the pool with the boys. It’s better on my mental health.
“Living here has been a real eye-opener. There are some lovely people here. It’s something better, something fresh, something safe.”
The land itself was contributed by Uniting’s Bendigo and Axedale Congregation, and a donation from local couple, Carol and Bill Holsworth, was instrumental to the project’s inception. Uniting provided $10 million as part of our commitment to affordable housing, with the remainder funded through Homes Victoria as part of the Big Housing Build.
The model has been a great success, and Uniting is currently developing more social and affordable housing in Ringwood, Coburg and Ivanhoe.
Generous gifts from supporters and donors will significantly impact the success of these projects and help create a future where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.
