More than 60 women are moving into energy-efficient new social homes in West Footscray 7km from Melbourne's CBD.
Summerhill Village is an innovative, purpose-built social housing project designed for older women to live independently and age in place while enjoying the benefits of community living. Jointly owned by Not For Profit United Housing Co-operative and the Lions Club of Footscray, it forms part of Homes Victoria’s Big Housing Build,
The female residents become tenant members of the co-operative, sharing in rights and responsibilities and encouraged to actively contribute to the wellbeing of the community.
The village has 49 one- and two-bedroom apartments arranged over two and three levels, designed around a central courtyard by TANDEM Design Studio.
Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing on Sunday welcomed the first tenants to their new homes, noting women over 55 are one of the fastest growing groups of homeless people in Victoria, with more than 1,000 women moving into social housing last year.
