Community
10 August, 2023
New housing units for town
THE Mareeba Community Housing Company is building five units in the Tablelands town funded by the Department of Housing Queensland to increase social housing.
Company general manager Patricia Goldfinch said the demand for social and affordable housing had “escalated with demand outstripping supply across the region, placing many of our local families into overcrowded conditions and homelessness”.
“One in seven people experiencing homelessness is over the age of 55, domestic and family violence is one of the largest contributing factors why people may be experiencing homelessness, and over 17,000 children younger than 12 years are homeless,” she said.
“This project will deliver three one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units for single parents and single women over 55 years, our fastest growing demographic in Queensland.
“A home is not just somewhere with four walls and a roof, it’s a place where people can feel safe and secure.
“Access to safe housing is a basic human right but sadly many people are living in temporary accommodation such as shelters, crisis accommodation or motels.
“Homelessness can mean different things to different people. Statistics show that there are over 120,000 people in Australia experiencing homelessness at any given night with only a very small percentage of people experiencing homelessness sleep on the streets, as is the case in this region, most people experiencing homelessness are hidden from sight, for example sleeping in cars, or couch surfing.”
Ms Goldfinch invited anyone who would like to partner with the company to increase affordable housing.
Call 4092 6899 or email reception@mchc.org.au
