Housing partnership calls for more temporary accommodation for vulnerable Australians

A successful five-year housing partnership is being promoted as a potential solution to Australia’s housing crisis, with calls for wider implementation of the “Meanwhile Use” model.

The initiative, which transforms vacant properties into affordable housing for vulnerable Australians, has been run by not-for-profit organisation Link Wentworth in partnership with Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) and Twilight Aged Care.

Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said: “Meanwhile Use housing is not a substitute for the stability and security of long-term social housing but we can’t ignore the fact that people need solutions now. To effectively dig our way out of this housing crisis, we need to apply numerous strategies – and this is a creative solution that makes use of otherwise empty properties, of which there are thousands.”

The program has provided medium-term affordable housing for women over 55 in properties in Beecroft and Mosman that were awaiting planning approvals.

Residents of these properties have praised the initiative. Claire, a resident, said: “It’s just given me a place to ground myself and be, with everything that’s going on around me…and they were really caring when I came here, and supportive.”

The properties offer individual bedrooms and living spaces with shared kitchens. Dedicated support workers provide assistance, therapy, and activities for residents.

Wraparound services include mental health support and help with finding suitable, long-term accommodation.

Ivy, another resident, said: “Working with the social worker and psychologist in the last nine months at Mosman House has set me up for a future free from abuse from anybody. Now for me, pride and openness replaces shame and secrecy.”

McAnulty is calling on more developers with empty assets to consider Meanwhile Use housing, stating: “We would love to see more projects like this come to life. A vacant property is a wasted opportunity and could really change someone’s life.”

While acknowledging that this model is not a permanent solution, advocates argue it could provide immediate relief for those struggling in the current housing crisis.