Government secures hotel to provide emergency accommodation for individuals sleeping rough and domestic violence survivors
- Replies 4
As the saying goes, 'Everything old is new again.' (Remember that one Peter Allen song?) This sentiment rings true for the residents of the recently revamped retirement village in Clayfield, QLD.
Thanks to a rather unusual move made by the Queensland Government, which purchased it for social housing needs, it has found a new purpose, welcoming folks who have spent too long on a waiting list for housing assistance.
Stephen Whiteman, who has spent years on the social housing waitlist, was over the moon when he found out that he was to be one of the first few to have a home in this restored piece of property. He excitedly voiced his delight by calling it a 'jackpot'.
'It's been an absolute journey until here,' he exclaimed. 'A truly fortunate situation.'
It's stories like Whiteman's that strike at the heart of the challenges faced by many of Australia’s ageing population. With increased pressures on the real estate market and the cost of living consistently rising, the availability of affordable housing becomes even more crucial.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, echoing this sentiment, stated the issue very succinctly: 'There are national housing pressures at the moment. We are throwing everything we possibly can at the housing situation.'
The new Clayfield retirement village, purchased by the state government earlier this year, is a 37-unit complex catering to the needs of Queensland's senior population. As the first few residents have begun to settle in, the government's initiative is already bearing fruit.
The state government isn't stopping at the repurposing of old retirement village sites. They've also purchased a 23-room hotel in the heart of Brisbane. This move isn't for tourists flocking in for the holidays but is aimed at protecting and housing vulnerable Queenslanders at risk of homelessness or escaping domestic violence situations.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon emphasised that this purchase would provide a 'safe place for families and women who are in that moment of need'. One feature of this unusual hotel will be 24-hour support to help residents with immediate needs and navigate the next steps on their journey.
Besides Clayfield, the state government has purchased two more former retirement village sites, one in Redland Bay and one in Toowoomba, following a similar model.
Old hotels and former retirement villages are getting a new lease on life. They're not just forgotten buildings from the past anymore. Now, they're becoming safe havens for Queensland's ageing population and those in vulnerable situations.
It's truly heart-warming to witness initiatives like this, which strive to make the lives of vulnerable people in our society much easier. We can only hope that such efforts will spread to other states and territories too!
What do you all think about this initiative, folks? Should more rundown and unused hotels, as well as social housing, be transformed into homes for those who need them the most? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Thanks to a rather unusual move made by the Queensland Government, which purchased it for social housing needs, it has found a new purpose, welcoming folks who have spent too long on a waiting list for housing assistance.
Stephen Whiteman, who has spent years on the social housing waitlist, was over the moon when he found out that he was to be one of the first few to have a home in this restored piece of property. He excitedly voiced his delight by calling it a 'jackpot'.
'It's been an absolute journey until here,' he exclaimed. 'A truly fortunate situation.'
A 37-unit aged care facility has opened as social housing after being repurposed. Credit: Shutterstock.
It's stories like Whiteman's that strike at the heart of the challenges faced by many of Australia’s ageing population. With increased pressures on the real estate market and the cost of living consistently rising, the availability of affordable housing becomes even more crucial.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, echoing this sentiment, stated the issue very succinctly: 'There are national housing pressures at the moment. We are throwing everything we possibly can at the housing situation.'
The new Clayfield retirement village, purchased by the state government earlier this year, is a 37-unit complex catering to the needs of Queensland's senior population. As the first few residents have begun to settle in, the government's initiative is already bearing fruit.
The state government isn't stopping at the repurposing of old retirement village sites. They've also purchased a 23-room hotel in the heart of Brisbane. This move isn't for tourists flocking in for the holidays but is aimed at protecting and housing vulnerable Queenslanders at risk of homelessness or escaping domestic violence situations.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon emphasised that this purchase would provide a 'safe place for families and women who are in that moment of need'. One feature of this unusual hotel will be 24-hour support to help residents with immediate needs and navigate the next steps on their journey.
Besides Clayfield, the state government has purchased two more former retirement village sites, one in Redland Bay and one in Toowoomba, following a similar model.
Old hotels and former retirement villages are getting a new lease on life. They're not just forgotten buildings from the past anymore. Now, they're becoming safe havens for Queensland's ageing population and those in vulnerable situations.
It's truly heart-warming to witness initiatives like this, which strive to make the lives of vulnerable people in our society much easier. We can only hope that such efforts will spread to other states and territories too!
What do you all think about this initiative, folks? Should more rundown and unused hotels, as well as social housing, be transformed into homes for those who need them the most? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
