Victorian builder Fairhaven ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s, in collaboration with Origin Energy and a host of generous suppliers, have delivered a second home to the Victorian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾less Fund (VHF) who will ensure a deserving family receives sorely needed housing.
The VHF provides long-term accommodation for women and children escaping family violence, with 100% of funding going towards the creation of new homes.
Fairhaven ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s have partnered with VHF to provide the funding and labour for its latest project, with the builder donating all materials and labour for the construction of the home, while Origin Energy have provided a financial contribution and contributed towards the installation of solar panels, construction power and energy connections.
Additionally, Origin has provided 12 months of free electricity, gas and broadband connection to ease the financial burden on the family who will move in.
The new home marks Fairhaven’s second contribution to the VHF after completing the ‘Keith Robinson House’ in 2017, named in recognition of one of the founding members of the VHF, Keith was the inaugural Chairman of the Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) Foundation and represented HIA on the Shelter for the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾less Fund which later became known as the Victorian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾less Fund.
VHF Chair Colleen May said the home will make a life-changing difference to a family in need by providing them a long-term stable home where they can recover and thrive.
“On behalf of the Victorian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾less Fund, I extend a sincere thank you to Fairhaven ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s, Origin Energy and all of our incredibly generous suppliers and volunteers who have contributed to this home,” said May.
“One hundred percent of our funding goes directly to creating homes for women and children escaping family violence, so for Origin to provide funding and Fairhaven to provide their time and expertise free of charge is an enormous gesture of care.
“We look forward to providing the home to a thoroughly deserving family in a time of need, particularly this close to the holiday season.”
The VHF will work with women focused community housing organisation, Women’s Property Initiatives, to find a suitable family for whom this home will be a new beginning.
A recent report by the Council to ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾less Persons found the biggest driver of women experiencing homelessness in Australia is family and domestic violence.
In 2020-2021, 167,388 women and girls sought homelessness services, 88,907 of those had experienced family and domestic violence.
Sharni (not her real name) is a recent recipient of long-term stable social housing, a mother of a young son who had to flee from her violent partner. Sharni was in low-quality private rental before she secured social housing through The Women’s Property Initiatives.
“I continuously felt unsafe in the private rental home. I wouldn’t sleep well; I would put furniture against the door and jump at any sound,” said Sharni.
“Having a nice home that is safe and affordable has made me feel I am worth more, it helped me to dream bigger and now I am saving to buy my own little home with my son.
“It has really changed my life, I can be in control of my life, it has given me a lot of confidence.”
Fairhaven ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Director Rodney Radings said the business was pleased to be partnering with like-minded organisations in providing a sanctuary for vulnerable Victorian families.
“We really enjoyed getting together once again with our partners and supplier to work on a really rewarding project,” said Radings.
“The Victorian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾less Fund do amazing work, and to play a small part in their in cause is our pleasure.”
