Beyond Housing will lead the development of an innovative housing project in Shepparton—the first of its kind in regional Victoria—designed to address chronic homelessness.
Announced today by Housing Minister Harriet Shing, this 15-unit permanent housing complex is part of the Victorian Government’s $26 million Regional Supportive Housing Program.
“We thank Minister Harriet Shing for her understanding of homelessness in a regional context and for supporting the need for safe, secure, and affordable housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness,” said Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams. “We are proud of this project and how it demonstrates a genuine collaborative partnership.”
The Homes Victoria funded project prioritises securing housing first and providing wrap-around supports that are person-centred and tailored to individual needs.
“Our multidisciplinary support team, which includes partners from VincentCare, Primary Care Connect, and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative, shares a deep commitment to this approach as an effective solution to homelessness,” Ms Adams said.
“Housing cannot succeed without availability, but the support services are equally crucial to ensuring success. Our partnership shows that when services are committed to collaboration, we give people experiencing homelessness the best chance to break the cycle.
“This development is a strong example of what can be achieved when we work together to deliver long-term housing solutions and essential services.”
The government has funded both the capital and operating costs of this project, while Beyond Housing’s construction team, engineers, and support partners have worked closely with Future Homes and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect to design a building with high level of accessibility and environmental efficiency.
The apartments are light-filled, exceed current regulatory standards for livability and sustainability, and are thoughtfully designed to allow gentle density while integrating housing solutions with environmental considerations and social services.
“Most importantly, these homes are not only affordable to rent but also affordable to live in,” Ms Adams said.
A streamlined planning consent process has fast-tracked the project, and planning approval has already been granted. Construction is set to begin in January 2025, with completion expected by the end of the year.
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