Disability Housing Trust
The Disability Housing Trust which was launched on 5 June 2006 by Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt marks an exciting new venture which recognises that people with disabilities should have the same opportunities as other people in the community to live in a range of accommodation types which best suit their requirements.
The first of its kind in Australia, the Disability Housing Trust has been established to enable people with a disability, their families and a range of organisations to enter into partnership with the Trust to develop innovative and affordable housing, which will provide choice for people with a disability. The Trust has an initial capital investment of $10 million from the Victorian Government and will seek to develop housing that will provide at a minimum 100 people with disabilities with suitable independent living arrangements.
In addition to developing new housing models, the Trust will play an important role in promoting increased accessibility to housing opportunities. It will work with other housing providers and developers to guide decisions on development of suitable accommodation options and future planning within the community.
Mr Brian Howe is the Chair of the Disability Housing Trust, which has an eight person Board of Directors. The Board is supported by 15 members who represent a range of stakeholders, including people with a disability, disability peak organisations and the property sector.
Further information is available at www.dht.org.au