CHURCHES OF CHRIST HOUSING SERVICES LIMITED

Repurposing Existing Infrastructure into Affordable Co-living Units

Repurposing Existing Infrastructure into Affordable Co-living Units

Churches of Christ Housing Services Limited and registered charity (CCHSL) is a leading Tier 1 Community Housing Provider in Queensland, dedicated to supporting housing outcomes for some of the state’s most vulnerable people. However, we recognise that many people, especially those not meeting social housing eligibility, are left without accessible housing solutions. Recently, Queensland Rail ...

GOAL

$190,000

Australia > QLD > Metro
08/01/2024 > 31/08/2024

Field of Interest

  • Community and economic development
  • Housing and homelessness

Target Population

  • People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
  • People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
CHURCHES OF CHRIST HOUSING SERVICES LIMITED CHURCHES OF CHRIST HOUSING SERVICES LIMITED

At Churches of Christ, our vision is to build supportive, integrated communities; to deliver innovative, holistic, caring services; and to empower people to live hope-filled, meaningful lives. This vision is supported by our mission and the strategy we've set to help us achieve our goals. We're here to bring the light of Christ into communities with a focus on helping the disadvantaged and vulnerable. This mission is about providing hope and a path forward - everything we do is about providing support and care. Like Jesus, we care for all, but have a particular drive to help those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. With our compassion and care, we can help people find a better future, or a more comfortable today. Everything we do - the way we work and the services we offer - are guided by this mission.

Churches of Christ Housing Services is focused on providing safe, secure homes, communicating with residents and responding to their needs. We work with our partners, residents and government to improve social housing across Queensland.

We're increasing the number of properties we own and manage to meet Queensland's need for more affordable housing.
We prioritise staff needs and help our teams learn and grow through training and opportunities.
We're focusing on finances, regulatory compliance and creating an organisation that best positions us to help meet Queensland's social and affordable housing needs.

Project Summary

Churches of Christ Housing Services Limited and registered charity (CCHSL) is a leading Tier 1 Community Housing Provider in Queensland, dedicated to supporting housing outcomes for some of the state’s most vulnerable people. However, we recognise that many people, especially those not meeting social housing eligibility, are left without accessible housing solutions.

Recently, Queensland Rail (QR) made two former staff dwellings in Acacia Ridge (Brisbane) available for housing and support services, inviting expressions of interest to develop solutions that meet local community needs. CCHSL submitted a proposal to repurpose these dwellings into 10 co-living units for older women, split equally between the two buildings. We were thrilled to be selected for an exclusive period to refine our proposal.

In collaboration with QR, we have been working to bring this project to life, aiming to support the hidden homelessness among older women. The estimated cost to renovate the two buildings is $200K. CCHSL committed $10K towards renovation costs, in addition to funding $20k for essential fit-out items (beds, fridges, tables, chairs, and cooking appliances).

To complete our total funding, we are seeking $190K towards the total $200K renovation cost. If successful this project will deliver 10 units at a remarkable cost of approximately $20K per unit, a stark contrast to the $450-600K typically required to build a dwelling from the ground up.

This initiative represents a unique opportunity to provide essential housing for a vulnerable group in our community, particularly as our population ages and existing housing options become increasingly inadequate.

Project Outcomes

The project outcome is expected to create 10 safe and secure units with personal space in a co-living environment, utilising the large kitchen and lounge areas as a shared space. In addition services we partner with may also attend where needed to meet peoples needs in this purposely designed community.

Churches of Christ Housing Services currently owns and manages a large campus only meters away from the site the target cohort will benefit form the community room and other ancillary services. We hope to create a vibrant community to help single older women who are struggling to afford rental properties in todays aggressive market.

Queensland Rail is offering the properties on 5 year lease arrangements with options of extending long into the future. QR and CCHSL are both wanting to be able to see these dwellings used for social good with a real focus on over 55 women.

Budget Breakdown

TOTAL BUDGET: $220,000
FUNDING
Funding source Amount
Churches of Christ Housing Services (confirmed) $30,000
Funding gap (unconfirmed) $190,000
EXPENSES
Expense item Amount
Renovation costs $200,000
Fitout items $20,000

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Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.