Two new housing developments unveiled in Victoria

Salvos Housing Victoria coordinator Patricia Richard says her team is proud of the two new projects at Yarraville and Maidstone.

BY LERISSE SMITH

Two multi-million-dollar pioneering Salvos housing projects have been unveiled, a powerful step forward in tackling Victoria’s growing housing crisis.

The Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) developments in Yarraville and Maidstone are set to welcome tenants next month, marking an exciting chapter in the organisation’s vision to deliver modern and affordable residences for diverse communities.

Their completion embodies a long-term commitment to real and lasting change – and to transforming lives one at a time.

“It’s a really exciting time for us in housing, in our region, and within Salvation Army Housing as a whole to be able to see our vision come to life,” said Patricia Richard, housing coordinator with the SAHV.

“Our vision is to be able to change one life at a time, and this gives us the opportunity to change multiple lives at a time at both ends of the community. We have got our more established mature aged cohort, who are quite vulnerable in today’s society and are really affected by their affordability of housing.

“We have also been able to work with the Salvos youth programs and reach that other end of the scope where youth crime and everything is skyrocketing – housing, mental health and everything that comes with the challenges of having stable housing.

“So, being able to be in a team where we are making changes to people’s lives in a positive way on both sides is just absolutely amazing. It is why we do this at an organisation like The Salvation Army. It makes me proud to be where we are.”

Yarraville development

In Yarraville, the Salvos completely transformed its complex site in Hance St, turning an ageing apartment block with renters into a fresh, future-ready housing complex with 16 modern two-bedroom units.

What once housed just eight to 10 older units will now serve a wider, more flexible range of tenants, including single parents, mature-aged couples, and older people requiring special needs or carer support.

No current renters of the older properties were displaced during construction. Instead, residents were temporarily relocated while construction took place with an understanding that they would return home to something even better.

Now, the new units offer tenants long-term housing through a public housing offer under the Victorian Housing Register, where they can remain as long as they need to – whether that is a year, 20 years or a lifetime.

But bringing the project to life wasn’t without its hurdles.

“We actually got all the go-aheads during the first year of COVID, and then there was a big stop to everything due to all the prices of absolutely everything skyrocketing post-COVID,” Patricia said. “So, what was meant to be a 12 to 18-month project has drawn out to be three-plus years.”

However, despite the delays and frustrations, the result has been worth celebrating.

“We are nearly there and very excited for it,” she remarked.

“The project in itself is a great opportunity for us at Salvation Army Housing to be able to give back to more of the community. It is giving us an opportunity to expand the opportunities for the community and for the existing clients as well. What better option than to be able to house 16 families and make a difference for them?”

The Yarraville development is located on Hance St and has 16 modern two-bedroom units.

Paving the way was funding from Homes Victoria alongside Salvation Army Housing.

Thoughtfully redesigned, the new units support a richer diversity of tenants through adaptable spaces built for real-life needs. Where originally the site had single, more mature aged clients, the new development can cater to single parents and the older generation, who require special needs or a carer due to having a second bedroom.

Additionally, it can also cater to couples as they mature and age, allowing them to live together.

At the heart of the project’s success has been Program Delivery Manager Tuyet-Anh Le, whose leadership has earned high praise from the team.

“She has been an absolute godsend since she started with Salvation Army Housing,” Patricia explained.

“Tuyet-Anh hit the ground running to make the projects move forward ... and very smoothly. She has been that driving force with the builders and the architects – and with Salvation Army Housing and Homes Victoria. Most people see her as the program manager and coordinator because she oversees the whole space. But she’s much more than that, and ever since she has come on board, probably in the last 12 months, both the projects have really just moved forward, and we are at that finish line now.”

Maidstone development

Another bold vision that has come to life (and just a short trip away from Yarraville) is the Maidstone development.

The innovative project aims to empower young people aged 18 to 26 through Salvos’ Youth Education Pathways Program.

Tailored specifically for young tenants actively engaged in education, the development features two contemporary townhouses on one site – a front one with two bedrooms and the rear one with three bedrooms.

Entirely funded by generous philanthropic donations, driven by Youth Services Manager Ralph Salera and other Salvos programs, the project offers secure and supportive housing for young people dedicated to their studies.

The residences target youth engaged in the Salvos’ Education Pathways Program. They will be funded to pursue further education.

Two tenants will move into the front townhouse, with three more set to call the rear property home, creating a small, supportive community built around growth and opportunity.

A key component will be encouraging the young people to work on their education, offering them a stable, supportive environment as they pursue training, employment and long-term success.

“They (the tenants) will be funded to actually engage in their further education,” Patricia said.

“They will be fully engaged with The Salvation Army Youth Services, who will be helping them with their life skills, employment skills, education skills and homework groups, as well as also having them actively part of, and engaging in, the youth community as well.”

Tenants will be selected by the Youth Services program, with Salvos Housing having input into the rent charges and property management.

“Like most of our properties, we will only charge a percentage of their income,” she added. “So, it still remains affordable housing while the Youth Services provide our young people in our community the opportunity to get an education, pursue a career and break the cycle once and for all.”