The “My Home” initiative aims to provide permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness across the Perth metropolitan area and regional WA. Under a Public Private Partnership, “My Home” brings together Government, private sector, faith-based organisations and community housing providers to deliver flexible, efficient and cost-effective housing options for people exiting homelessness. In 2020, the “My Home” pilot project won the National Association of Women in Construction Award for the lead architect’s keen commitment to producing housing to end homelessness.
‘“My Home” is here to: Alleviate the urgent need for longer-term housing for homeless people or those at risk of homelessness. Provide permanent, low-cost housing that homeless people can call “My Home” forever or until they are self-sufficient.’ (“My Home” Housing n.d.)
St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in Fremantle was the Community Housing Partner for the first project, and played an important role in securing funding for the site.
Built Form
“My Home” dwellings consist of lightweight prefabricated timber wall, floor and roof cassettes which are erected on site. Each has a housing footprint of 31m2 with bed, living, bathroom, and kitchen spaces plus veranda which enables independent living.
The ‘flat pack’ panel system enables each house to be erected in three hours, ready for the builder to fit out, representing additional cost and time benefits. And, if necessary, dwellings can be moved to another site due to the demountable design structure. The model includes universal design features (Gold Liveable Homes’ standards), green building technology and materials in line with Passivhaus design principles, rainwater tanks, and solar panels and an air exchange system to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The base housing unit can also be readily adapted to meet the specific needs of occupants as well as couples and small families.
Passivhaus design is a method of construction that reduces energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable interior environment. The core principles of Passivhaus design include:
- above-standard insulation
- airtight membrane lining walls, ceiling and floor
- double glazing
- minimal thermal bridging by avoiding steel or metal materials
- interior fresh air exchange = no air conditioning required.
“My Home” houses are constructed with prefabricated structural panels, but they are designed to create a comfortable, thermally-controlled home that anyone would, I think, be quite happy to live it in if need be. They also happen to be demountable and can be relocated if necessary.’ (Blakeley 2021).
The interiors will be fitted out with furniture and homewares by Rotary District 9455 WA, who raise funding through donations and grants to support the project. Rotary WA will also assist with landscaping the site to include vegetable gardens, fruit trees and sensory plants to provide shade and privacy.
To foster social inclusion, “My Home” dwellings will be developed in small clusters with communal outdoor spaces and shared facilities such as outdoor furniture, barbeques, storage and car parking. They will be integrated within high-amenity residential areas to ensure tenants have easy access to key social infrastructure such as shops, public transport, health services, and the like.
Financial details
The low build costs for each dwelling has been facilitated to date through the private sector via tax-deductible donations or impact investment. As a public benevolent institution (PBI), “My Home” Australasia is eligible for charity tax concessions, including GST exemption. PBI’s are recognised by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and the Australian Tax Office as a subtype of charity whose main purpose is to relieve poverty or distress.
Under a peppercorn leasing arrangement, the “My Home” initiative aims to utilise vacant Government and Church land available for long term use. The first tranche of “My Home” dwellings is currently planned for development across two sites in the Perth Metropolitan area. Eighteen dwellings are earmarked for development on railway-reserved government land in North Fremantle, and a site in Victoria Park has been secured for the erection of five dwellings. Meanwhile, the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) continues to work with the initiative to identify vacant government-owned land suitable for more “My Home” housing.
“My Home” Australasia will maintain ownership of the properties, which are then leased to experienced Community Housing Providers for a nominal amount.
Property and tenancy management
The Community Housing Providers will provide tenancy and management services for “My Home” houses. Following Housing First principles, the CHP will allocate homes to people on a needs-based priority while acting as the conduit between residents and any support services required.
Rents are expected to be set at a small percentage (25 per cent or less) of the resident’s income, and tenants can live in “My Home” houses for as long as required. The Community Housing Provider takes on the responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of “My Home” dwellings.
Further information
For further information about “My Home”, please visit https://myhomehousing.org.au/
