By Alesha Capone
Social housing provider Unison has purchased a site in Werribee to build a community hub and 74 affordable apartments.
Unison’s chief executive James King said the organisation would seek government funding and philanthropic donations to fund construction of the six-level Werribee building.
Mr King did not disclose the address of the future social housing complex.
He said Unison hoped to build a community hub at the Werribee location, along with an Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) service and support services for the 74 households.
“Unison provides housing to people from diverse walks of life,” Mr King said.
“The Werribee site will provide much-needed social housing for people who are homeless and affordable housing for people who are employed but on a low income.”
Unison provides social and affordable long term rental accommodation in Victoria for people who are on a low income, including the employed and those on Centrelink benefits. The properties include rooming houses, apartments, units and houses.
Unison also has an IAP service providing homelessness assistance, through offices located in Werribee and Seddon.
Mr King said that Unison managed almost 2500 tenancies across north and western Melbourne.
“Many of these are in projects similar to the Werribee project,” he said.
Mr King said that the state government sets income eligibility limits for affordable housing.
“The cost of rent for affordable housing must be less than 75 per cent of the market rent,” he said.
“Eligibility for social housing is determined by the Victorian government and applicants must apply via the Victorian Housing Register.
“Affordable housing is designed for people who are employed but on a low income.
“As such, applicants must meet income eligibility requirement that are set by the Victorian government.”
Details: unison.org.au/
