· Global model for affordable housing can be achieved
· 1 million living in housing mortgage stress
· 1 in 200 Australians affected by current affordable housing crisis
· National shame not acceptable
· Access to unused government land a starting point
Habitat for Humanity Victoria (HFHV) today called on Federal and State governments to become a global model for accordable housing for low income people.
HfHV Chief Executive, Philip Curtis, said it is a 'shame on the nation' that over 1 million Australians in a population of 25 million were living in housing mortgage stress when solutions are available.
"This shame is not acceptable for a country like Australia where 'looking after your mate' is a strong colloquialism by which the majority stand," he said.
"We are now faced with a situation where one (1) in every 200 Australians are affected by the current affordable housing crisis."
Mr. Curtis made the call for a 'global model' as part of Homelessness Week – from 4 August.
He said the Federal Minister for Housing, Luke Howarth needed to move away from putting a 'positive spin' on the homelessness issue to one of action and follow-through with positive outcomes to help those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable within our communities.
"If you are one of the 116, 427 people recorded as being homeless tonight you are seeking more than a positive spin on your current situation. You are looking for some real help and action" said Mr. Curtis.
He agreed with the recent Anglicare Report which highlighted the 'housing system in Australia is broken' and was in need of 300,000 new social properties across Australia.
"Access to safe, decent and affordable housing is the foundation for living and life, and it is not beyond the current governments at federal and state levels to help address this need in a meaningful manner," he said.
"The flow-on consequences from housing being unaffordable affects the wellbeing of families, couples and individuals. It reduces the amount of household money/finances available for other purposes – e.g. nutrition, access to health services when needed, ability to attend work, ability to meet and pay day to day bills, such as power, gas, water, car and transport costs, education costs for children.
"Charities and the not-for-profit sector need more government support and investment in the sector to scale-up to meet the needs of more people who are disadvantaged, vulnerable and on the margins of our society.
"Access to unused government land for affordable housing is an ideal starting point."
Mr. Curtis said HfHV and other charities were prepared to work with governments at all levels to make Australia a model in affordable housing because "home ownership" is proved to empower people to improve their position over time. We provide "a hand up; not a hand out".
Home ownership is proven around the world in helping people build a better life and future for themselves and their families.
"It is the basis for strength, stability and independence. This is what low-income Australians are craving," he added.
He highlighted this situation with one of their partner families who sought assistance from HfHV about 7 years ago.
They were living in an old farmhouse in the middle of a paddock. There was rising damp and mould throughout the house and the children suffered from severe asthma. Some of the appliances in the house barely worked. If they wanted to wash clothes, cook, or bath the children they needed to boil the water first because the water from the tank was so poor.
"The rats and mice were winning the war" and it caused all of us to wonder in which country they were living; because the farmhouse was just a 90-minute drive from the centre of Melbourne.
Today the family are living in an HfHV house they helped build and now own. They have turned a house into a home. The children are all healthier and are doing well at school.
The eldest daughter will complete year 12 this year in an accelerated learning program. The whole family has a much more optimistic outlook on life which is grounded in the benefits of having a place to call home. They are all building a better life together; for today and tomorrow.
HfHV has a model to improve outcomes for people and families on low incomes. It needs help to do more.
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