Over 58% of the homeless population in Australia are singles. Community Housing Ltd works tirelessly to add to its portfolio to meet this need. The 64 apartments at Queens Rd help to raise the standard of single accommodation in the heart of Melbourne.
Sacred Heart Mission (SHM) and the Victorian State Government’s Office of Housing (OoH).
Each resident occupies a one bedroom apartment with ensuite and kitchen of around 45 sq. meters. Shared facilities are also provided to allow tenants to decide whether they want to live privately or enjoy a more communal group living situation.
Approximately half the tenants have a range of physical/medical, psychological, social and emotional needs and or disabilities.
The service model is a Rooming House Plus Project (RHPP) and provides a sustainable mix of support to tenants. A feature of this service model is the separation of tenancy management (provided by Community Housing Ltd) from the support management (provided by Sacred Heart Mission). Both Community Housing Ltd and SHM staff are present 24/7.
Community Housing Ltd provides accommodation, three meals per day, cleaning of apartments and communal areas, laundry, and utility services to the 29 supported tenants.
The 35 general tenants are provided with accommodation, cleaning of the communal areas only, and utilities. These tenants may also arrange for the meals service at an additional fee.
The heritage listed building was revamped over a 12 month period and accepted its first tenants in December 2005.
Since its opening, the rooming house has gone from strength to strength. Fully supported by the surrounding community, the Queens Rd development now includes a new gym and an art workshop.