Disability Housing Partnership
2 December 2014 at 10:34 am
Two major Queensland Not for Profits, Horizon Housing and Endeavour Foundation, have joined forces to tackle homelessness amongst people living with disabilities by increasing affordable housing for at risk people.
The partnership between one of the the largest Queensland-based Not for Profit housing providers and one of the nation’s largest disability service providers will enable a significant response to a serious issue, given that people living with a disability make up around 25 per cent of those in need of housing assistance, the two organisations said.
Horizon Housing CEO Jason Cubit said the alliance aims to provide more people living with disabilities with suitable housing and allow them to have the quality of life they deserve.
“In Australia, there are just under 1.4 million people who live with a severe or profound core activity limitation,” Cubit said.
Horizon Housing and Endeavour Foundation said that in order to combat this problem head on, they have signed an agreement to work together to deliver housing options for people with a disability.
“There is a shortage of accessible housing for people living with a disability, and Horizon is committed to working with Endeavour Foundation to support people in need by providing affordable, safe and comfortable housing,” Cubit said.
“Horizon currently provides affordable housing solutions to more than 2,400 people, and Endeavour Foundation supports more than 3,300 people living with a disability.
“Between both partners we have significant combined assets and resources that we can bring to bear on the problem. It is our goal to work closely with Endeavour Foundation to open the door to more opportunities throughout the country that provide accommodation to allow people with disabilities to enjoy a better quality of life and the ability to live independently and out of institutions.”
Alongside Endeavour Foundation, Horizon said it will take membership of National Disability Living Solutions which was established by Endeavour Foundation as a vehicle for innovation and development of accessible housing.
Endeavour Foundation CEO David Barbagallo said both organisations aimed to offer greater choice, control and independence to people with a disability through affordable and accessible housing.
“This partnership will make a difference in the lives of people with a disability who are looking for safe and independent accommodation options, particularly as the National Disability Insurance Scheme is rolled out,” Mr Barbagallo said.
The two organisations say they will be looking for opportunities to expand their operations into other states.
