The Melbourne suburb of Ashwood has welcomed the opening of Brian O’Donnell House, which will provide long-term, affordable accommodation for vulnerable Victorians fleeing family violence.
The new homeless accommodation was opened by the Victorian Minister for Housing, Richard Wynne, and is an initiative of the Victorian Homeless Fund. It is supported by the Housing Industry Association as well as generous donors, including the builder SJD Homes.
“Ending homelessness takes an entire community – we need to work together to make sure all Victorians have access to the safe homes they deserve,” Mr Wynne said.
Families will be able to stay at the home for as long as they need, giving them a safe place in which to build a new life and provide stability and security for children.
The three-bedroom, single-storey home was built on vacant land contributed by the Department of Health and Human Services and will be managed by the Women’s Property Initiative (WPI), who will also provide ongoing support to tenants.
The $200,000 house was named in honour of Brian O’Donnell, a long-serving member and past Victorian President of the Housing Industry Association and a member of the Victorian Homelessness Fund.
