Media Centre
05 Oct 2010
ME Bank assists Yarra Community Housing to provide affordable housing for those in need
Yarra Community Housing is a Registered Housing Association providing affordable rental housing for a mix of previously homeless persons as well as singles and families on low and moderate income.
In early 2009, ME Bank approved funding of $9m to assist with the construction of 131 studio apartments and 30 family units at 660 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. The project to construct this 10 storey building was the result of many years of researching, designing and developing affordable housing for some of the most marginalised members of our community.
The concept of Supportive Housing was developed in the US and Canada over 25 years ago. It is based on the principle of providing people who have experienced homelessness with safe, secure and good quality long term housing. Furthermore, the concept is also about a community building approach with on site staff providing the residents with opportunities for recreation, training, employment and linking to the broader community.
The values of associations such as Yarra Community Housing closely align with those of ME Bank. Therefore, the Bank continues to work closely with this customer to assist them in achieving their goals.
660 Elizabeth Street was recently opened by Victorian Premier, John Brumby. The opening was also attended by Victorian Housing Minister, Richard Wynne and Federal Housing Minister, Tanya Plibersek.
Mr Brumby said the project was a great example of governments and the private and not-for-profit sectors working together to help change the lives of vulnerable Victorians.
"We believe that every Victorian deserves a decent place to live," Mr Brumby said.
The building incorporates the latest 5-star environmentally-sustainable design features, such as grey water management and a solar-boosted hot water supply.
The CEO of Yarra Community Housing, Rob Leslie, thanked ME Bank for their support and involvement in the project.
"This development tells a powerful story about how we want to treat the most vulnerable members of our community - and it's a story that all Victorians can be proud of," Mr Leslie said.
ME Bank is also working in collaboration with the Office of Housing, Department of Human Services and a number of superannuation funds including AustralianSuper and Cbus to enable further progress of this kind in the affordable housing sector.
Media Enquiries
Tony Beck
Head of Corporate Affairs
0423603322
Contact ME
- Product Enquiries
-
Personal Ph 13 15 63 ME Contact Centre open
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm,
Sat: 9am - 5pm (EST)Business Ph 1300 658 108 ME Business Contact Centre open
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (EST) - Existing Customers
-
Personal Ph 1300 654 998 ME Contact Centre open
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm,
Sat: 9am - 5pm (EST)Business Ph 1300 658 108 ME Business Contact Centre open
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (EST) - Phone Banking
-
Personal Ph 1300 654 998 Business Ph 1300 658 108