Some Horsham NDIS participants with complex mental health needs will soon have new homes when a vacant lot in the city is converted into self-contained units.
Key points:
- A social housing facility for people with complex mental health and wellbeing issues will be built in Horsham
- Mind Australia to build 14 units with help from state government
- The site is directly opposite the largest hospital in Wimmera.
The Haven Foundation’s social housing facility will be built on the site across from the Wimmera Base Hospital on Baillie Street, which was often used as a parking lot.
A subsidiary of Mind Australia, the foundation has planned fourteen apartments, each with its own kitchen, living room, laundry and outdoor area, a communal living room, staff office and activity rooms.
Recent data suggests that over 200 residents across the Mallee with psychosocial disabilities have NDIS plans.
The houses encourage independent living and a spokesperson for Mind Australia said their location near the hospital was a coincidence, not a deliberate choice.
“Hospital staff are not required at the Haven residences,” the spokesperson said.
“Haven Foundation residences work in partnership with local area mental health services to provide clinical support.
“The sites for the Haven Foundation residences are strategically chosen to be in locations that have easy access to public transportation, shopping and community facilities.”
Expected completion in 2024
Mind Australia will manage the units and staff will be on site 24 hours a day to help residents develop social and life skills as well as confidence.
“They are a place for people with significant mental health and wellbeing issues to live independently while being supported by skilled mental health workers who help them achieve their unique NDIS Scheme goals,” said the Mind Australia spokesperson.
The Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build scheme has provided $4.9 million for the housing complex.
Construction is due to start early next year and is expected to be completed by May 2024.
Haven Foundation residences have operated in Victoria since 2011.
The foundation currently has six residences in South Yarra, Frankston, Geelong, Mooroopnam, Epping and Laverton supporting over 90 people in Victoria.
Several other sites are being designed and developed, including the one in Horsham.
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