Development helps to fill support gap
A new development in Drouin will offer housing and support for up to 16 people living with significant mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Construction of the 16 one-bedroom units offering 24/7 support is due to be completed in May or June.
The development is a collaboration between Mind Australia and The Haven Foundation, with funding from the State Government’s “Big Housing Build”.
It is the first Haven residence to be built in Gippsland.
Each of the 16 self-contained homes will feature a main bedroom, built-in wardrobe, bathroom, kitchen and eating area, European laundry, lounge room and outdoor courtyard or balcony.
The residence will also offer 24/7 support from Mind Australia’s staff who will assist with daily living activities.
Mind Australia housing strategy executive director Mark Heeney said the need for this integrated social housing and support service in West Gippsland was recognised through their strong relationship with Latrobe Health.
The Drouin build is currently one of three in regional Victoria, with projects also opening in Ballarat and Bendigo. In addition, plans are being made to purchase land in Moe next year.
Mr Heeney said the Drouin development would benefit the wider West Gippsland community by reducing the public housing waitlist and demand on local healthcare.
“There’s a lot of interest in it,” Mr Heeney said. “We recognise there is a big need.”
“We take a lot of care to make sure we can serve the Drouin community and surrounding area.”
“Our model is really on helping people to stay connected with their local community,” he said.
The Haven Foundation was founded in 2011 by a group of families seeking a new model of housing, stability and support for their loved ones.
Mr Heeney said people with significant mental health concerns or intellectual disability currently living with elderly family members would be well suited to this type of housing.
“It’s long-term that people generally stay for,” Mr Heeney said. “Some people have stayed for a year, two years. That period, they work on recovery and build capacity to be more independent.”
“We encourage people to have families involved in support or for those separated or estranged to build those relationships up.”
Residents receive Supported Independent Living services for assistance funded by their NDIS packages. Rent is a portion of their disability pension.
Anyone interested in learning more, can call 1300 286 463.