A groundbreaking $70,000 initiative is set to provide much-needed relief for those facing homelessness in the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Fleurieu Accommodation Project, a collaboration between the Fleurieu Community Foundation, Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and Bendigo Community Bank Fleurieu, has launched an innovative approach to secure housing for vulnerable community members.

The project, spearheaded by social enterprise Junction, involves signing a head lease on local private rental properties, which are then sub-let to individuals who are either experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The consortium’s financial backing, along with discounted property management services from Elders Real Estate Victor Harbor, makes this possible. Rent for these homes will be capped at 30% of the tenant’s income, with the consortium covering the remaining costs.

Tammy Elvin, Junction's Regional Manager, highlighted the urgent need for such an initiative. “This project is about providing safe, emergency, and short-term accommodation where people are secure and have support to transition into longer-term housing,” Ms. Elvin says. The first property secured under this initiative is a two-bedroom home in Victor Harbor, specifically aimed at supporting single women over 55, who are disproportionately affected by homelessness.

Junction’s involvement in the region is extensive, providing housing to over 700 people across the Fleurieu, including in Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Victor Harbor, and Kangaroo Island. Last year alone, they supported 420 people through various services related to homelessness and domestic violence.

Brad Butler, CEO of Fleurieu Community Foundation, expressed deep gratitude to all financial partners involved in the project. “Together, we are making a profound difference and building a stronger, more resilient Fleurieu,” he says.

The consortium is now calling on local property investors who are interested in making a social impact to consider joining the project. With Junction as the head leaseholder, the project offers significant security to landlords, while giving tenants the opportunity to build a rental history, improving their chances of securing long-term housing in the competitive rental market.

Community members and businesses interested in supporting this life-changing initiative are encouraged to contact the Fleurieu Community Foundation or Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula to learn more about how they can contribute to the Fleurieu Accommodation Project.