News & Media

Regional Housing Study

Organisations in the Hume Region Homelessness Network ('HRHN') provide homelessness services and affordable housing in a region where population has grown steadily in recent years. This trend will continue over the next 15 years, leading to increased challenges with housing affordability which will impact most on lower income households and disadvantaged groups.

Download Report 30 November 2011

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Project tackles housing crisis

A MAN who had spent 10 months living in his car and another 10 months in a caravan park now has a permanent roof over his head.
But housing experts say limited private rentals and the cost of living is putting more and more people in housing stress and on the streets.
Yesterday Victorian Housing Minister Wendy Lovell officially opened a $2.8 million development that has seen 11 two-bedroom homes built in southern Wangaratta for the less affluent.
"I'm delighted to open these new properties today, which will provide much needed affordable homes for local people," Ms Lovell said.
"This is quality housing. It meets high standards for design and environmental sustainability, meaning real savings for the tenants through lower utility bills."
As well as the energy efficiency rating the Thomas Wedge Drive homes also contain energy saving appliances, gas boosted solar hot water and a 2100-litre water tank, plumbed to the toilets to supplement mains water.
The houses, completed in December, are owned and managed by the not-for-profit housing association, Rural Housing Network, based in Wodonga.
Its acting chief executive Celia Adams said demand was still outstripping supply.
Its policy limits rent to 30 per cent of household income.
"This is a great outcome and the direct result of a partnership between government, ourselves and Southern Vale Homes," she said.
"But the reality is we could build 20 more and fill them tomorrow. It is impossible to assess the demand for these homes on the basis of the public housing waiting lists or our waiting lists. Many of these people have been homeless or simply unable to afford private rentals."
Ms Lovell said the Rural Housing Network housing was part of the armoury in tackling what she says is a housing crisis.
"Not enough homes have been built and that has forced up private rentals and reduced vacancy rates, the overflow putting further pressure on public housing," she said.

Download the Article by BRAD WORRALL 14 May, 2011

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Partner with us

A Local housing association can help industries and businesses on the Border attract and retain key employees.
The Rural Housing Network Limited (RHNL) is the largest provider of community housing in the Hume regioni of Victoria. "Many people don't know about community housing," said Catherine Upcher, CEO of RHNL. "It offers long term, affordable rental housing to individuals and families and is a real alternative to both private and public rental, with good quality housing and rents below market value."
RHNL became a registered Housing Assoication in Victoria in 2007...

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Victorian Green Renters Guide

Whilst a lot of the talk about sustainability at home is around installing water tanks, grey water systems and solar electricity, most tenants aren’t lucky enough to have a landlord who would be willing to invest in such improvements.

However, renters need not despair. Environment Victoria has put together a guide containing lots of sustainable living tips specifically for renters.

The guide takes readers through their home room by room suggesting cheap and easy ways to make the property more sustainable.

Check out the guide by clicking here.