A brand new development, funded by Homes Victoria, which will provide long-term housing and support for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns, is now accepting applications.
Haven Epping, a 16-unit social-housing development delivered by The Haven Foundation in partnership with Mind Australia, offers a high quality comfortable, safe setting for residents to focus on improving their mental health.
Mind CEO Gill Callister said Haven Homes provide an important balance for residents with significant long-term mental health issues – offering a safe living environment while encouraging independence.
“Haven Homes enable people with significant long-term mental health issues to lead successful and fulfilling lives in the community,” Ms Callister said.
“In many cases, Haven Homes residents are able to break a cycle of homelessness and mental ill-health which has led to hospitalisations in the past.
“Our housing models are proven to provide stability, independence and a greater sense of belonging, confidence and responsibility to our clients.”
Haven Epping is expected to open in June this year, and will provide 16 residents with their own one-bedroom unit, which includes a main bedroom with built-in wardrobe, bathroom, kitchen and dining area, European laundry, lounge room and private outdoor area.
Haven Epping also features community-living recreational and lounge areas, kitchen, meeting spaces, outdoor area and on-site overnight facilities for qualified and experienced around-the-clock support staff.
Mind Australia Executive Director-Housing Strategy Mark Heeney said this would be the sixth Haven in Victoria and applications were now open.
“Haven Homes are for NDIS participants whose capacity to live independently is impacted by long-term mental health issues who want to live on their own,” Mr Heeney said.
“Residents make a contribution from their NDIS plan to fund the shared 24/7 onsite support which Mind provides.
“Residents will receive help with daily tasks, develop skills for independent living and work on their mental illness recovery.”
Mr Heeney said the response to the Haven in Epping had been “really positive” despite the development not opening until June this year.
Mind is currently accepting referrals for Haven Epping from NDIS-participants that have an existing individual plan, and are aged between 18-65 years.
Applicants must be on the Victorian Housing Register or willing to be listed on the Victorian Housing Register once shortlisted.
Find more information on Haven Epping here, or contact Belinda Muscat on 0408 477 746 or at [email protected]