The first tenants moved in August 2024. Four properties currently house 14 participants, and an additional $160,000 in donated funds has been committed to fund three more homes.
A new community-led housing model on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula is turning donated houses into stable homes for local people in desperate need. The program, funded and run by the local community including Victor Harbor, Goolwa, Port Elliot, and Middleton, takes a simple but effective approach: it rents houses from property owners and sublets them with oversight to people in need.
The program has already assisted 32 people to find housing. Community housing provider Junction Australia acts as the head lessee, while local Elders estate agent offered its services for free. The initiative was sparked by Faye Anderson, a member of the local Zonta branch, and facilitated by Fleurieu Community Foundation chair Brad Butler.
The model is described as simple and easy to scale. Brad Butler noted there is interest in replicating the program in other regions, including Brisbane, NSW's Northern Rivers, and South Australia's Limestone Coast. Tammy Elvin, Junction Australia's regional manager, said safe, affordable housing is life-changing and opens up opportunities.
Background: A Community in Crisis
The Fleurieu Peninsula faces a severe housing squeeze. High median rents and low vacancy rates are exacerbated by the fact that much new housing is built as retirement lifestyle developments. The article highlights a stark contrast: multi-million-dollar holiday homes sit alongside significant local housing affordability challenges.
The Details
- Funding & Oversight: The project is funded and run by the local community.
- Current Capacity: Four properties house 14 participants.
- Pipeline: An additional $160,000 in donated funds has been committed to fund three more homes and a case worker.
- Target Population: The program aims to fill part of the local need for crisis accommodation, particularly for young people and women aged over 55.
"Safe, affordable housing is life-changing and opens up opportunities." - Tammy Elvin, Junction Australia's regional manager