By BRIDGET COOK
AFTER years of living in cars and between caravan parks, Keiran Jones finally had a place to call home last year thanks to a pioneering social housing project developed in Lynbrook.
That project, a joint venture between the State Government and Community Housing Victoria Limited (CHVL), celebrated its first anniversary of providing a home for local people on lower incomes last week.
The $8.9 million project saw 28 one and two bedroom units developed in Cilento Crescent for Casey’s vulnerable residents.
Speaking at the project’s first birthday celebration on Tuesday 9 September, Mr Jones said the development changed his life.
He is currently on a disability support pension and lives with his son Liam in a two bedroom unit.
“CHVL called us at a desperate time in our lives,” he said.
Mr Jones said when the unit was offered to them, they had been living between a car and caravan parks trying to make ends meet and paying up to $300 a week in rent.
“For weeks we couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“It wasn’t even our dream, we had no expectations.
“Everything about this place is perfect, I cannot fault it.
“After paying our rent and other bills we are still left with some money for other things.”
After being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Mr Jones’s son became his full-time carer.
“Both a combination of my son’s care and this home has contributed to keeping me alive,” he said.
Sixty-one-year-old Joy Willey, who is another tenant at CHVL, said she was grateful for being able to rent one of the units.
She said she has worked all her life so when she lost her job, her life took an unprecedented turn.
“After losing my job it was unaffordable to continue to live in my last house,” she said.
“I contacted CHVL and they offered me this house which was brand new, affordable and just right.”
Housing Minister Wendy Lovell said at the anniversary celebration that it was great to be back in Lynbrook to mark the milestone.
“I know from talking to people who have moved into the 28 units that having permanent, secure and affordable housing has meant the world to them,” she said.
“The new homes at Lynbrook are a wonderful example of how the Napthine Government, is working in partnership with the community housing sector to deliver affordable housing to people who need it most.”
The homes are owned and managed by CHVL, a not-for-profit housing association which supplies short and long-term affordable accommodation.
The State Government provided $5.2 million towards the development of the units.
