Summer Foundation launches think tank report on disability housing

Through the report, a range of strategies were identified to bridge the gap between the rental income stream provided by people on a disability support pension, and the cost of apartments that are well located and designed, and incorporate communications and smart-home technology.

In the current economic environment, government and philanthropy combined do not have the resources required to build the scale of accessible and affordable housing needed in Australia.

The Summer Foundation is developing a small number of innovative housing and support projects to demonstrate a new and more inclusive housing option for people with significant disability.

“Our long-term vision is that this model of integrated housing for people with disability is routinely included in all new medium and high-density residential developments throughout
Australia,” said Dr Di Winkler, CEO of the Summer Foundation.

The strategies, insights and conclusions documented in the Social Finance Think Tank Report have relevance for a broad range of housing projects for people with complex disability, and other groups of people who experience disadvantage.

Over the past few years there has been a growing interest in social investment. However, in Australia there is a limited pipeline of projects and enterprises that are “investment ready” and inherently scalable to make use of this capital.

“The Summer Foundation’s Social Finance Think Tank provided a timely opportunity for people from a range of disciplines to have grounded conversation and explore a model of social finance for a real life project,” said Simon McKeon, chairman of the AMP, who chaired the Think Tank.

Emma McDonald

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