Homes for Homes has announced it will grant more than $138,000 to support three social housing projects across Queensland and the Northern Territory. This marks the first time it has distributed funds to social housing projects in these locations.

Venture Housing Company in Johnston, Northern Territory will receive $70,000 to purchase and convert an existing privately rented three-bedroom property into affordable housing for low-income earners who are in housing stress in the private rental market. City Ventures in Townsville, Queensland will receive $50,300 to upgrade existing accommodation to enable young people to build their capacity in long-term self-sufficiency and independent living skills as they re-engage in the community. Coast2Bay Housing Group in Nambour, Queensland will receive $18,179 to increase the standard of living for 10 women over 55 who will benefit from more affordable rental costs.

Established by Australia’s largest and most successful social enterprise, The Big Issue, Homes for Homes is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated helping to solve homelessness and creating affordable, safe and permanent housing for all.

The organisation raises funds through voluntary donations from homeowners agreeing to register their property, which enables a tax-deductible donation of 0.1% of the sale price to be made to the organisation. This funding is pooled and granted to experienced housing providers to increase supply of social and affordable housing.

Allan McGill AM, Chair, Venture Housing Company, expressed his thanks for the support of the organisation.

“This $70,000 grant is greatly appreciated. It has enabled a family of five, previously in housing stress, to move to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit. The family is genuinely grateful and excited about this opportunity.”

Chief Executive Officer, Steven Persson said the funding comes at an essential time.

“By 2036 the gap between the supply and demand for social housing is projected to grow to as much as one million properties. The need for appropriate housing and to end homelessness is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters – posing a major challenge for our community and country at large” Persson said.

“Homes for Homes is a community solution and funding milestones like these show the power of coming together to make significant inroads in solving this problem.

“We are excited to provide funds to three new projects that will help up to 43 people living on the margins, and expand Homes for Homes into new states and territories. This grant round was made possible from generous donations made from property owners and our partnership with PEXA.”

Since launching in 2015, the organisation has granted more than $1.28m in funds to community housing providers and is on track to raise in excess of $1 billion over 30 years.

You can find out more and register your property at homesforhomes.org.au.