Thursday, May 6, 2010

New housing development meets local need



PROPERTY

The demand for subsidised rental housing in inner Brisbane has been eased by a Churches of Christ Care housing development at Spring Hill.


Although tenants in the thirty-five units moved in earlier in the year and are now enjoying stable and secure accommodation, the project was officially opened on Thursday May 6 by Community Services and Housing Minister Karen Struthers. State Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace and Councillor David Hinchliffe (Central Ward) also attended the opening.
The new dwellings, a mix of one-bedroom and studio units, are rented at approximately 25 per cent of the total household income to assist individuals and families on low incomes. They were developed with the support of funding from the State Government.
Churches of Christ Care director David Swain said the development helped fill a gap in the inner-city housing market.
"We believe this development meets a vital need in the community to support those who are struggling with the rising costs of living and may be disadvantaged in the housing market,“ Mr Swain said.
“These new units are so much more than just bricks and mortar though. They mean that a person doesn’t have to couch surf, sleep rough or be subject to overcrowded accommodation, or unreasonable rent conditions.
"They mean the person can take their mind off their accommodation so they can get a good night’s sleep, look after their health, or pursue voluntary or paid work. It’s about individuals focusing on achieving their own potential.
Mr Swain said that as a not-for-profit organisation, Churches of Christ Care sought to support people to achieve their goals and "we have been doing so for 80 years".

The picture above shows Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace, at left, with Ms Frances Paterson-Fleider, general manager for Churches of Christ Care Housing, Housing Minister Karen Struthers and David Swain, director of Churches of Christ Care.