My Homes opens doors for fresh start

Eighteen new homes for older women experiencing homelessness in the local area opened on Monday to a warm welcome from the City of Fremantle, and the local community.

The homes represent the first project for philanthropic developer My Home, which builds homes for people who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness.

The homes will be managed by St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (St Pat's) with residents moving in from the end of June.

Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said Fremantle was proud to be the first LGA in WA to host the ground-breaking initiative which brings together government, non-government organisations, private sector and community housing providers to deliver homes with personalised support services.

Mayor Fitzhardinge said the project was a true community effort. The City provided advocacy and in-kind support, as well as being proactive in encouraging the concept.

“We want to achieve more projects like this,” she said.

“Fremantle is setting the agenda. There is a reason why the first one is in Fremantle – we are YIMBYs. While others have said ‘No’ to this being in their backyard, we have said ‘Yes’.

“North Fremantle has a really long history of involvement with social housing and we know diverse communities are better communities.”

My Home founder Michelle Blakeley said the project set the bar high for the design and construction of social housing. The homes were built using a prefabricated timber closed panel system for walls, roof and floor. The panels were delivered to site complete with insulation, airtight and waterproof membranes, window and door frames and external cladding.  

The innovative design meant the construction process took just nine months.

“Each house can be erected on site in four hours. This means we can fast track the construction with trades moving in to do their work as soon as each house is erected.”

“As well as increasing housing supply, we want to demonstrate a cost-efficient and expedient delivery of social housing which is appropriate to the residents’ needs.”

For many residents, the North Fremantle houses will be their ‘forever’ home.

“Homes for the most disadvantaged people in our community deserve the same care and attention to design and construction as a luxury, big budget home. These are very high performance, comfortable and enjoyable homes as well as being cost-efficient and time-efficient,” Ms Blakeley said.

Image (L–R): Lotterywest Board Member, Green MP Brad Pettitt, Fremantle MP Simon McGurk, St Patrick's EO Michael Piu, My Home Founder Michelle Blakeley, Mayor of Fremantle Hannah Fitzhardinge, Mindaroo Foundation Director of Building Communities Louise Olney, Rotary Clubs of WA Kay Durrant, Master Builders Association Director John Gelavis and Highbury Homes representative. Image by Emma Dolzadelli.