Building a community, not just a home
- deansimpson7
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 6
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
The Salvation Army has unveiled a new, purpose-built social housing complex in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria.
The 16-apartment complex, developed in partnership with Homes Victoria as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, offers a range of one- and two-bedroom units for singles, couples and families requiring safe, spacious and affordable housing.
Additionally, the complex features a secure underground carpark for all residents. The building cost a total of $9.2 million, with The Salvation Army contributing $2.4 million.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Head of Social Mission Captain Brad McIver were in attendance, as well as the Victorian Minister for Housing, the Honourable Harriet Shing MP, and State Member for Footscray Katie Hall MP. The event was also attended by representatives from Housing Victoria, building contractor Better Living Group, BCBA Architects, Dome Consulting Engineers, Cumberland Project Management and Connect Project Management.
Miriam spoke about the history of The Salvation Army’s housing work and how it now manages 2000 homes, housing a total of 3000 people each night. She said there were many lonely people in the world, and the focus of The Salvation Army’s tenant engagement model was to build community, not just homes.
“We’re trying to find spaces where people can feel that they are loved and respected and have real dignity,” she said.
Harriet Shing said The Salvation Army was a central part of the work of Homes Victoria, and its mission was not just to deliver thousands of additional social housing homes but to offer them the opportunity to get to where they wanted to go.
“When we provide [not just] housing but also care, support, wraparound services and dignity, we start to move people away from hopelessness, from shame and humiliation into something that aspires for inclusion and connection,” she said.
“These homes are so beautiful. They’re energy-efficient, they’re bright, they’re inclusive, and they’re accessible. They are the opportunity for a blank canvas in the very best of all possible ways.”
State Member for Footscray Katie Hall MP said she was a big fan of the Salvos’ work in the community, and she really appreciated the care, love and kindness TSA offered to those at their “lowest ebb”.
“I can’t think of anything more special than that phone call to someone to say, ‘We’ve got a beautiful home for you’,” she said. “And that’s going to happen 16 times. Sixteen incredible phone calls, particularly for the people who will be bringing children in here. What a wonderful thing.”
Better Living Group Executive Director Silvio Mazzei said the project was more than just a building; for his company, it provided something more significant.
“We all understand the need for housing in Victoria, especially,” he said. “The reason we built [this complex] is to give people a decent home to live in, safety and everything else that comes around that. So, for us, it’s a sense of purpose.”
Click through the slideshow below to view more photos of the opening:
