More than 60 people are now moving into a purpose built social housing community in West Footscray .
Summerhill Village is a social housing development aimed at providing accommodation for women over 55, one of the fastest growing groups of homeless people in the state.
Last year more than 1000 women aged 55 and above moved into social housing in Victoria.
On Sunday, August 24, new tenants at Summerhill Village began joining them, including nine women who lived at the former Footscray Lions Elderly Citizens Village.
The new Summerhill Road development features 49 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom homes as well as two fully accessible apartments and is built around a central green courtyard.
United Housing Co-operative (UHC) and the Lions Club of Footscray delivered the project, with $17.5 million in funding provided by the state government.
Housing and Building Minister Harriet Shing was on hand to welcome Summerhill Village’s new residents on Sunday as they moved in.
“Developments like Summerhill Village are tailored specifically for the growing number of older Victorians, and we know that ageing in place requires accessible and affordable homes that keep residents connected to their communities,” Ms Shing said.
“This project is a wonderful example of local partnerships providing ongoing benefit to the community – just like our collaboration with United Housing Co-operative, and the Lions Club of Footscray.”
United Housing Co-operative (UHC) chief executive Peter Sibly said incoming residents were given a say in the design of their new homes and that collaborations would continue now they had moved in.
“UHC will have a strong focus on place making and building a connected community with a particular focus on tenant voice, food sustainability and community engagement,” Mr Sibly said.
Footscray MP Katie Hall thanked Mr Sibly and UHC for helping deliver what she called a “brilliant project.”
“It’s wonderful to see local residents returning to Summerhill and settling into a place where they can feel connected, supported and part of community life,” Ms Hall said.
