On Friday October 23, 2020 Member for Hornsby Matt Kean MP, officially launched a much-needed specialist disability home in Mount Colah that offers independent living.
Oak Tree is the first launch of many from Good Housing, which has already been acknowledged by Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) for its innovative design and smart features.
Designed by those who have witnessed firsthand the struggles of finding the right home to accommodate their family members with autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy, Good Housing has responded to the limited options available and are bringing specialised disability housing to market.
Co-founder of Good Housing, Samuel Graiche, expresses his motivation behind their new Specialist Disability Accommodation offering.
“It’s no secret that there’s a housing crisis in this sector throughout Australia. We understand there is at least 15,000 people with an extreme physical or mental disability in desperate need of a new home. With too many young people with a disability trapped in unsuitable environments like hospitals and aged care facilities.
“At Good Housing, we’re deeply motivated to addressing this housing shortage issue by developing smart and healthy homes that are robust in design, ensuring people with complex disabilities are given a chance to lead a better lifestyle”, Samuel said.
Mr Kean said he is pleased that this style of housing is available in Hornsby.
“I am thrilled to open the first Good Housing home in Mount Colah, which will enable those living with a disability to live independently”, Mr Kean said.
Good Housing’s Samuel Graiche comments: “We have ambitious plans to support the Australian Government’s committed to ensuring no young person under the age of 65 is living in residential aged care.
“Our mission is to build 50 homes like Oak Tree in the next three years, and with 16 other villas already in development with eight of those potentially being built in Hornsby, we’re excited to create significant change in the industry.”
Good Housing has partnered with the Summer Foundation’s Housing Hub team, who use a holistic approach to connect people with disability to possible housemates and providers of quality Specialist Disability Accommodation.
Summer Foundation General Manager Alecia Rathbone said there is strong demand for disability housing, which is demonstrated by the number of potential tenants who have expressed interest in Oak Tree.
“At the Summer Foundation we see too many young people with disability moving out of hospital into aged care homes – having no control over their future”, Alecia said.
“Homes like Good Housing’s Oak Tree mean that people with complex disability support needs have a better option than aged care. Tenants live independently, but with a housemate and support for your needs, you are not alone. There is also an option for tenants to move in on a temporary basis, which may provide an option for people who might otherwise be stuck in hospital”, Alecia said.
Oak Tree is a two-bedroom home, with a separate one-bedroom villa - accommodating both shared and independent space all under one roof. Next door is Apple Tree: Good Housing’s next release that’s currently being constructed.
Good Housing is funded by the Synergis Fund, which is made up of investors such as Suncorp, HESTA & Paul Ramsey Foundation. There is also a collaboration with Nextt, as a recommended Support Provider within the home.
