Many people rely on a government pension or unemployment benefits as the primary source of income. The difference between the pension being adequate or inadequate depends mainly on the individual’s housing costs. Many people have limited housing options available, yet the type and standard of housing can have significant positive effects on independence, health and feelings of well-being and security.
However in a majority of regions within Australia, affordable living units are simply not readily available.
In addition, Australia’s population is becoming older, and this aging is projected to continue. Based on current trends, the proportion of the population over 65 years of age is set to double in the next 50 years. There are three reasons for this:
- Fertility has fallen to unprecedented low levels due to the tendency towards smaller family units
- Average life expectancy has been steadily increasing due to medical advancements reducing mortality rates at older ages
- Over the next two to three decades there will be an additional increment as the large post-war Baby Boomer cohort reaches 65 years of age
To help combat the housing shortage Y-Care has constructed Melville Place a 52 unit complex in Nerang Queensland.
These units are a combination of one bedroom and studio units and are available at a low rental cost to persons registered with Queensland Housing. The facility includes a community room with pool and table tennis tables, BBQ area, coin laundry and well maintained lawns and gardens.
Y-Care is constructing a further facility adjacent to Melville Place due for tenancy in March / April 2012. This facility consists of one bedroom units. , this will increase Y-Care’s accommodation to over 100 units.
One of the distinct advantages Y-Care (South-East Queensland) Inc. can provide to this model is the range of other YMCA services and programs that can be added in order to further reduce the distress and suffering seen as a result of poverty and misfortune.
Assistance that will be made available include:
- Training
- Counseling
- Health and recreation services
- Education services
The YMCA services will help instill a true community feel and environment within the villages.
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Affordable Housing Project 2
With 3,125 m² of land purchased from the YMCA of Brisbane, Y-Care was able to attract a grant of $13,464,000 from the National Economic Stimulus Package for the expansion of its affordable housing stock.
This second project will comprise 51 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom units and is expected to commence in September 2011 for completion in 2012.
The new facility is adjacent to Melville Place and will ensure access to affordable, safe and sustainable housing that contributes to social and economic participation.