AS rising rental and housing prices push many people close to homelessness, a project between the Federal and State Government and social housing providers is helping put a roof over the heads of many in Rockingham and Kwinana.
Medina resident Elaine McIntyre counts herself as one of the lucky people to benefit from 282 new homes built in the Brand electorate with $72.6 million from the Social Housing Initiative.
The homes are offered to people at risk of homelessness, the elderly, Aboriginal people and families escaping violence.
Mrs McIntyre said she was very happy to move into her Medina home 12 months ago after downsizing from a Department of Housing rental in Cooloongup.
“Renting is just so expensive for many people,” she said.
“We considered buying but at my husband’s and my age, it wouldn’t be viable. It was a bit of a... shock at first, but we are very happy and thankful.”
Access Housing Australia housing manager Kathryn Moorey said the homes were rented for a maximum of $440 a fortnight and designed to help people eventually rent or buy their own home.
Brand MHR Gary Gray said the homes would offer a safe and secure place for vulnerable people.
“They will not only provide an affordable and safe place but give peace of mind to Australians struggling to find a stable place to live,” he said.
“About 44 per cent of the people living in these homes have a disability, 14 per cent are indigenous Australians, and 6 per cent are families escaping domestic and family violence.”