The first sod has been turned on a new build which will provide safe and secure homes for women and children experiencing homelessness due to family violence.
The Latrobe Valley-based project is an initiative of the Victorian Homeless Fund (VHF) which will see two new, fully furnished houses donated to give struggling families a fresh start.
Loy Yang B Power Station and Alinta Energy have provided $130,000 to fund the build, which is being undertaken by local builder Sherridon Homes and Brilley Co at cost price. Constructed on land donated to the VHF by the Payton Foundation, it will leverage a partnership with the Housing Industry Association and its member builders and suppliers who donate their time, expertise and all materials needed to create a home which is ready to live in.
The VHF is a volunteer-based charity focused on providing long-term, stable homes to give families a future and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Its chairperson, Colleen May, said the Latrobe Valley project was a fantastic demonstration of industry working together to achieve something great for the community.
“We are delighted to be commencing our very first regional project with the generous assistance of Loy Yang B Power Station, Alinta Energy and Sherridon Homes,” she said.
“These homes will provide a safe haven for the families in our community who will now have an opportunity to thrive because we worked together to create change.
“We are not just talking about the problems of homelessness and family violence in our community, we are doing something about the problem and together, we are making a difference one house at a time.”
Loy Yang B and Alinta Energy said they were proud to be substantial funders for the project.
“We’re honoured to support a project that offers access to the things so many of us take for granted, giving families hope and the chance to start over and build a more secure future,” Loy Yang B General Manager Tony Hicks said.
“Everyone deserves a chance to feel safe, supported, and hopeful, and that’s what this project is all about,” Alinta Energy Executive Director Corporate Affairs, Sustainability and Governance, Sarah McNamara said.
Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred said homelessness and family violence are challenges for our local community and across Australia.
“I’m passionate about supporting efforts to provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for everyone across my electorate,” she said.
Upon completion – expected to be by the beginning of next year – the house will be donated to Women’s Property Initiative to appoint tenants. The organisation provides long-term, affordable housing solutions for women and children in need.
