United Housing Co-operative (UHC) is inviting suitable applications from women over the age of 55 years who would like to live in a Co-operative Village, a social housing, medium density apartment development located at 68 – 78 Summerhill Road in West Footscray, jointly owned by UHC and the Lions Club of Footscray.

The Co-operative Village will operate according to UHC co-operative model where tenant members have rights and responsibilities as both tenants and members, with an expectation that all will contribute to the growth and well-being of the community to the best of their ability. In return tenant members will receive many of the benefits of being part of an engaged community and have access to a Community Facility and gardens.

APARTMENT TYPES

The Village consists of 49 apartments, including a range of one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments built over two and three levels around a central courtyard.  The Village also has its own Multi-Purpose Community Facility that is primarily available to tenant members for community engagement activities and tenant meetings.  Access to upstairs apartments is via one of four staircases, with one lift available near the carpark.

ELIGIBILITY

The Village is primarily targeted at women over the age of 55 years and can include:

One Bedroom

• Single women – Women over the age of 55 years
• Couples – Women over the age of 55 years with partner (any gender).

Two bedrooms

• Two Independent women
• Women over the age of 55 years and full-time live-in carer (VHR approved with independent income / rent paying)
• Women over the age of 55 years with child or grandchild.
• Two independent women over the age of 55 years family/friend on independent income.
• Two bedroom approved Couple under the VHR with proof of medical requirements.

Two Bedrooms DDA Apartments (2 x fully accessible apartments)

• VHR approved with special accommodation requirements and medical evidence.

If unable to fill vacancies, with the target group, we may consider younger Single Parent with female children for the 2 bedroom apartments.

Applicants need to meet Homes Victoria income and eligibility requirements.

UHC allocation is required to take 75% priority applicants and 25% Register of Interest applicants from the Victorian Housing Register.

Maximum Income limit for Single Register of Interest applicants is $59,488 per year or $91,000 per year for couples.
Maximum Income limit for Single Priority Access Housing applicants is $33,280 per year or $57,512 per year for couples.

For more information on social housing income eligibility please visit: Social housing eligibility | Housing.vic.gov.au

In general, to be considered for this property applicants must:

• Have an approved VHR allocation.
• Currently live in Victoria and meet the DFFH income and asset limits.
• Not own or part own a house, unit or flat (including land).
• Have Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.
• Have a desire to live in a Co-operative/Community based housing.
• Have a desire and ability to live in a medium density property.

 APPLICATIONS

Applications can be obtained by phoning UHC office on 9689 8157.

Applicants must read the Applications carefully and supply all information and return to UHC Office located at:  1A Ballarat Street, Yarraville 3013

Or by post to:

United Housing Co-operative, PO Box 252, Yarraville 3013 OR

Or by email to Fiona Chan: fiona.chan@unitedhousing.org.au

TENANT MEMBER REQUIREMENTS OF THE VILLAGE

• Meet tenancy responsibilities, pay rent and look after property.
• Attend Village Residents meetings and participate in the election for the Committee.
• Adhere to the Village Model Rules.
• Contribute to the Village community and its well-being and be respectful of other tenant members.
• Read Village communications and respond to UHC staff communications promptly.
• Meet UHC minimum member participation requirements

 INFORMATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS

• Applicants will be invited to attend an Information and Training Session to learn more about Co-operatives and the proposed operation of the Village.
• Attendance at one Information & Training Session is compulsory for people who wish to be considered for the Village.
• Session are to be held at United Housing Co-operative office in March 2025.
• Invitation to the training sessions will be sent to successful applicants.

For further information please contact our office on 03 9689 8157.

Introductory Letter

Footscray Lions Co-operative Village – Architectural Drawings

Footscray Lions Co-operative Village Design – Architects Design Statement

Footscray Lions Co-operative Village Design – Landscape Concept Plan

Footscray Lions Co-operative Village Design – Planning Assessment Report

Footscray Lions Co-operative Village Design – Traffic Impact Assessment

Footscray Lions Co-operative Village Design – Waste Management Plan