Homes for Homes has announced a new $250,000 grant round aimed at expanding social and affordable housing in Victoria. This ninth grant round, which opens for applications on 6 November and runs through 11 December, provides essential funding to community housing providers across the state, supporting safe and secure housing for those facing homelessness and disadvantage.

This round is made possible through the support of developer SP Setia, whose UNO development in Melbourne’s CBD has been registered with Homes for Homes. This collaboration, recognised by the Victorian Government, is expected to generate over $1 million once all UNO apartments are sold. SP Setia’s Director, Hunt Soon See, emphasised the initiative’s impact, stating, “It is indeed an immense challenge to tackle housing shortage and as such we truly commend the Victorian Government and Homes for Homes’ drive on this forward-thinking initiative to create long term social and affordable housing.”

Homes for Homes enables property owners to support affordable housing by pledging 0.1% of their property’s sale price. This community-driven approach includes homeowners, developers, and even renters, who can contribute 0.1% of their rent to fund social housing initiatives. Funds raised are granted within the same state or territory, ensuring local communities directly benefit from contributions.

Since its inception, Homes for Homes has distributed over $2 million, funding 22 projects across Australia that will house more than 300 people. Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny praised the collaboration: “I congratulate Homes for Homes on the outstanding work it is doing with industry to boost the supply of social and affordable housing in Victoria. It supports the work we’re doing to build thousands more social and affordable homes in Victoria through our nation-leading Big Housing Build.”

Steven Persson, CEO of Homes for Homes, highlighted the community aspect of the initiative, saying, “Homes for Homes is a whole-of-community approach to one of the most critical social issues we face as a country. We’re grateful to the team at SP Setia, the Victorian Government and our Homes for Homes community for their support.”

Applications for this grant round are open to community housing providers who seek to make a lasting impact on affordable housing across Victoria.

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