In 1985, the United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
Yesterday was President Jimmy Carter’s 99th birthday. Until poor health prevented them from being involved, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were enthusiastic hands-on partners in the Habitat for Humanity team. This year the build commenced on Sunday 1st October, without the active involvement of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
Habitat for Humanity is the world’s largest non-profit provider of housing for low-income families. In Victoria H4H has several projects to build affordable housing across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Among the staff and volunteers there are many actively involved in their local church as well, seeking to put God’s love into action and bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
H4H work is premised on these values:
- We believe access to appropriate and affordable housing is a basic human right
- We believe in the empowerment generated by home ownership
- Home ownership provides a foundation for a better life for Partner families today and for future generations
- With support from the community, Habitat for Humanity Victoria helps Partner families build the strength, stability and independence they need to create improved outcomes for themselves and their families in areas such as education, employment, health and lifestyle.
Recent projects have seen homes built in Drouin, Geelong, on the Mornington Peninsula and in Yea.
The biggest affordable housing project is the Yea Heights Estate development at Prospect Rise, Yea. It had its origins in the desire to assist families affected by the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires. After developing the site and connecting all required services, 21 affordable houses have been built on this estate which provides “a place to call home” for our partner families and their children.
Crib Point
In February 2018 new parcel of land in Crib Point was acquired, on the Mornington Peninsula. Habitat is building six 3-bedroom houses, each with a modest garden. The build is well underway and five families have been selected to become Habitat homeowners. Crib Point is Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s first project under the new ‘development model’. Additional to the support of the Hugh Williamson Foundation and the hard work from the Rosebud Restore, the Crib point project is funded by selling two of the houses to offset the cost of the remaining four. This makes our model more sustainable and self-sufficient, growing the impact we have.
H4H also mobilise volunteers to assist shelter accommodation and vulnerable homeowners with maintenance projects they’re unable to tackle themselves. If you’re a handy person, that might be one way to be involved.
Volunteer overseas for International Women’s Day 2024
Join a team of passionate men & women in Siem Reap, Cambodia in March 2024. Support gender equality to enable and empower women as you build safe homes side by side with local communities. Perfect for individuals, groups and corporate teams looking to make a true difference.
03 8720 9200; vic.info@habitat.org.au