The Salvation Army has taken a significant step towards addressing homelessness in Brisbane, acquiring land at Kangaroo Point for future social housing development.
Read: High Vacancy Rate in Kangaroo Point Amid Queensland’s Housing Crisis
The property, located at 619-633 Main Street, marks the organisation’s first investment in inner-Brisbane social housing since the sale of its “Pindari” property in Spring Hill in 2022.
Aaron Pimlott, State Manager for Homelessness at The Salvation Army, emphasised the importance of this acquisition. “People who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless need sustainable housing that is affordable, inclusive of support to sustain their tenancies. That’s how we end homelessness,” Mr Pimlott stated.
The purchase aligns with The Salvation Army’s post-pandemic shift towards a “Housing First” approach. This strategy focuses on long-term and permanent social housing solutions with tailored support, moving away from crisis and short-term accommodation options.
Housing First is an approach aimed at individuals with a history of chronic or repeated homelessness who haven’t succeeded in traditional supported housing programs. It offers tailored assistance to those requiring more specialized interventions.
While the land has been secured, the project still requires additional funding. “Further capital funding still needs to be sought to construct at least 60 social dwellings,” Mr Pimlott explained, expressing confidence in securing the necessary resources to begin construction in the near future.
This development is part of a larger initiative by The Salvation Army to increase social housing across Queensland. The organisation has ambitious plans to build hundreds of new social housing units statewide, with projects underway or in planning stages in Cairns, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, and the Gold Coast.
Read: Landmark Queenslander Fetches $6.6 Million at Auction
The Kangaroo Point project represents a crucial step in The Salvation Army’s mission to provide sustainable housing solutions for vulnerable individuals and families in Brisbane’s inner city, addressing the ongoing challenge of homelessness in the region.
Published 25-July-2024
