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“Meanwhile use” housing is being touted as a creative solution to rising homelessness rates.
The model takes otherwise vacant properties – such as buildings awaiting planning permission – and turn them into affordable medium-term accommodation for people at risk of homelessness.
Not-for-profit organisation Link Wentworth has called for a wider uptake of this housing model after the successful rollout of two meanwhile use properties in Sydney.
“A vacant property is a wasted opportunity,” said Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty. “We would love to see more projects like this come to life.”
“Meanwhile use housing is not a substitute for the stability and security of long-term social housing, but we can’t ignore the fact that people need solutions now.”
Over the past five years, the organisation has established two properties on Sydney’s north shore in partnership with Women’s Community Shelters. The homes offer affordable housing for women aged over 55.
At both properties, residents have their own bedroom and living space while sharing a common kitchen. There are on-site support workers and therapists who provide assistance to the women living in the properties.
Ivy*, a current resident of one of the Sydney homes, stated: “Working with the social worker and psychologist in the last nine months at Mosman House has set me up for a future free from abuse from anybody. Now for me, pride and openness replace shame and secrecy.”
Another resident, Claire*, explained that the shelter offered her time and space to “ground myself and be, with everything that’s going on around me”.
“They were really caring when I came here, and supportive. They’re just constantly thinking of ways to have us involved and having something to do, to make us feel that we’re not alone,” Claire said.
As Sydneysiders continue to grapple with a challenging rental market, McAnulty urged developers with empty assets to consider providing short-term housing to vulnerable Australians.
“To effectively dig our way out of this housing crisis, we need to apply numerous strategies – and this is a creative solution that makes use of otherwise empty properties, of which there are thousands,” the CEO said.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
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