Sustainable Housing Providing Hope For Homelessness

The Victorian Government is creating more innovative and environmentally sustainable housing for men experiencing homelessness in Greater Geelong.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the expansion of Samaritan House, which has been supported by a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government.

Samaritan House helps men sleeping rough or homeless in the Greater Geelong region by providing accommodation, an evening meal and ongoing support services.

The construction of seven new one-bedroom, prefabricated independent living units at the site will increase Samaritan House’s capacity by 50 per cent, enabling the service to support more men reaching out for help.

The units are designed to offer independent living for three to six months, with affordable rent to help men transition to longer-term social housing.

Local manufacturer FormFlow designed and installed the units from an innovative and sustainable prototype, working in partnership with Deakin University’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment.

The design reduces the impact on the environment by utilising off-site construction, natural ventilation, solar energy and water tanks, and native landscaping reduces irrigation needs.

The collaboration has enabled students undertaking apprenticeships in horticulture and landscaping at Gordon TAFE to gain practical experience working on site. 

This investment builds on Victoria’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the largest investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history and is part of the almost $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens says “The Samaritan House project will make a world of difference to people in our community, providing them with stability and safety when they need it most.”

For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au.