By CASEY NEILL
AT LEAST 20 vulnerable over-55s will soon move into affordable co-operative housing in Dandenong.
Common Equity Housing (CEHL) will receive $2.7 million for its Harmony Village Dandenong through the Victorian Property Fund.
The trust’s income is from real estate agent and conveyancer licence fees and fines, interest on their trust accounts and investment income.
CEHL managing director Stephen Nash said the organisation developed 92 apartments on the site in 2012 in partnership with a retirement village operator.
It’s operated a housing co-operative for people over 55 years of age in 60 apartments since 2012, and an additional six apartments from 2014.
“Of the remaining 26 retirement village units, only six were ever occupied,” Mr Nash said.
“This funding has allowed these vacant quality apartments to be purchased and provided as permanent, affordable, rental, co-operative housing where people have opportunities to participate in the management of their housing.
“This funding will have a direct and positive impact on some of our most vulnerable people in the community and will provide them a safe and secure place to call home.
“Housing co-operatives provide real opportunities for people to have a say in decisions about their housing and shared spaces, which in turn creates a great community with a sense of ownership and pride among people who live there.”
Mr Nash said there was strong demand in the Dandenong region for high-quality residential accommodation suitable for older members of the community.
“On our referral list alone we have been able to identify and refer over 75 people to be assessed for the vacancies,” he said.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the State Government-approved funding would “provide a significant boost to the supply of local affordable housing units in Dandenong for older residents or people with a disability”.
