The Victorian government, philanthropists Geoff and Brad Harris, and Launch Housing have announced a collaboration in which  57 new affordable homes will be built on vacant VicRoads’ land in Melbourne’s inner west.

The one-bedroom, portable homes will add much needed housing stock to the Melbourne market, and will provide the opportunity for low-income adults and families to live in reasonably priced rental properties.

VicRoads had acquired the land over recent years for the potential future widening of Ballarat Road.

Recent studies show that single adults are one of the main groups of people that experience difficulty in accessing and maintaining rental properties.

Launch Housing will guarantee that the tenants are rehoused at the end of the five-year lease if necessary.

Brad and Geoff Harris provided a donation of $4 million to fund the majority of the building costs.

Acting Minister for Roads and Road Safety Philip Dalidakis said, “This is a great partnership using vacant land set aside by VicRoads, to help those most in need in our community.”

Acting Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Jenny Mikakos, said “Every Victorian deserves to have a roof over their head. Homelessness is a confronting and complex issue. We are currently experiencing unprecedented demand and a first of its kind project like this – will help adults and families have a place to call home.”

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