Community housing provider Beyond Housing says it is making good progress on its goal of constructing 305 homes by 2025 in the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions.
The not-for-profit organisation has highlighted the opening of two major social housing projects and its response to the significant floods of October 2022 in its latest annual report.
In the report, which was launched along with a rebranding on November 29, Beyond Housing said key milestones for the 2022-23 financial year included the construction of 53 new homes, contributing to its longer-term goal of building 305 homes by 2025.
That’s part of a $124 million investment it has planned across the regions.
The report also highlighted the “significant community impact” it achieved during the year, including supporting more than 3000 families and individuals and providing 7369 nights of crisis accommodation.
A collaboration with the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation resulted in major housing developments being opened in Wangaratta and Shepparton during the year.
The $6.1 million 20-unit development in Shepparton included a $4.5 million contribution from the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation and $945,355 from Homes Victoria.
In the year ahead, the partnership with the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation is set to continue, with it committing to fund 49 homes to a value of $15.8 million.
That’s part of Beyond Housing’s overall goal of 70 new homes in the next financial year worth $24 million.
The annual report also outlined Beyond Housing’s flood response, which saw it provide support to 304 people initially and extend help to an additional 46 individuals through its Flood Recovery Program.
The report also highlighted the growing issue of homelessness among older women and the varied reasons people seek support, including family violence and mental health issues.
Beyond Housing chair Ben Ruscoe said although great demand for affordable housing remained across the regions the organisation serves, including more than 400 people being homeless in Shepparton based on the latest census data, there was hope.
“We have strengthened our community collaborations over the year, notably our partnership with the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation,” Mr Ruscoe said.
“The $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and its alignment with the Victorian Government’s initiatives represent monumental steps in our shared commitment to providing more housing.”
Beyond Housing chief executive Celia Adams said the flood crisis felt across the Goulburn Valley had exacerbated an already present housing crisis, but the organisation had stepped up to play a key role in the response.
“When Victoria was hit by a flood crisis, we were there, offering immediate assistance,” she said.
“Our dedicated teams were at relief centres in key areas like Seymour, Tatura and Shepparton, supporting over 300 flood-affected people.
“Through our Flood Recovery Program, we secured housing for 46 people, showcasing our quick and effective emergency response.”
While optimistic for the future, the organisation said huge challenges remained.
“And we will not sit idly by, waiting for the worst housing crisis in the country’s history to go away,” Ms Adams said.
“Together with our partners, we will continue to challenge ourselves and the status quo to end homelessness in our communities.”
Mr Ruscoe said while the focus was often on the number of houses needed, it was important to remember the human stories behind them.
“While constructing homes is a fundamental aspect of our organisation, at our core is a team of people who support the most vulnerable in our communities,” he said.
“Providing safety and security for renters and clients is what drives our purpose.”
Ms Adams said she hoped people who opposed the construction of social housing in their communities would think again.
“If we don’t humanise the lived experience of homelessness, no amount of funding and big policy will change the minds of those who stand against social and affordable housing in their neighbourhoods,” she said.
The full report is available on Beyond Housing’s website at https://www.beyondhousing.org.au/about-us/company/annual-report/annual-report-2023/