New homes for older women at Mango Hill

Almost 50 new affordable homes for older women at risk of homelessness will be built at Mango Hill.

To be built by the State Government and Y Queensland, the 47-home development will include fully accessible one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments and dedicated community spaces.

Y Queensland CEO Damien Foley says the new homes will build on the organisation’s commitment to addressing issues that contribute to homelessness and supporting sustainable housing by focusing on safety, health, mental wellbeing, financial literacy and community connectedness.

“Y Queensland, and formerly YMCA, has been providing community housing support since 2009,” Damien says.

Hidden homeless

“Women over 55 represent our fastest growing cohort of homeless people.

“They often go unnoticed as they find refuge in cars and friends' lounges, quietly experience homelessness for longer periods of time, and struggle with lower incomes, health issues, limited access to affordable housing, gender-based discrimination and lack of support.

Damien says the new units’ location and social alignment with other Y-managed facilities at Mango Hill offers additional benefits, with nearby access to the Y community centre, Op Shop and Y School.

Y Queensland will work on the project with external support agencies Q Shelter and the new Housing Older Women’s Support Service.

Plan to deliver homes

Premier and Murrumba MP Steven Miles says the project is part of the government’s plan to deliver one million more homes.

“(The) Homes for Queenslanders plan is delivering more homes, faster, right around the state,” Mr Miles says.

“These homes will primarily help older women in our community who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“These are projects that community housing providers are putting forward, and they wouldn’t be possible without our multi-billion-dollar Housing Investment Fund.”

Lower earning capacity

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon says older women face greater financial insecurity because of lower lifetime earnings and savings, putting many at risk of homelessness.

“That’s why our Homes for Queenslanders plan is pulling every lever possible, whether that’s supporting community housing projects through our Housing Investment Fund, buying former retirement villages, accommodation parks and hotels, or rolling out more modular homes.

Construction of the Mango Hill apartments is due to start next year.