By Olivia Condous
Vulnerable people affected by homelessness in the west will have a new place to take refuge, with the finished construction of a new home for women and children escaping family violence.
The new custom-built five bedroom home, located within the Melton municipality, was named the Margot Rottem House in honor of the founding member of The Victorian Homeless Fund and will be managed by The Women’s Property Initiatives.
The Victorian Homeless Fund Project home was constructed by Dennis Family Homes, on land donated to Women’s Property Initiatives, with additional funding from Lendlease Future Steps program, Industry Superannuation Property Trust and The Bourne Foundation.
The home will provide accommodation for women and children at risk of homelessness while they access support and advocacy services.
Victorian Homeless Fund chair Colleen May said she was delighted by what has been achieved through the generosity of many.
“Homelessness is still a significant problem, and we can’t solve it by ourselves but if individually we all give a little, collectively, we can change people’s lives,” Ms May said.
“The builders, suppliers and tradespeople who have donated to this project have been amazingly generous and because of them, a family will have a safe home and hope for the future.”
Women’s Property Initiatives chief executive Janette Large it was amazing to witness the generosity of everyone involved.
“Creating a home for women and children escaping the housing crisis and who are at risk of homelessness will profoundly change their lives,” Ms Large said.
“A secure and affordable home provides the foundation for a happy and healthy life and helps to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”
