Liina Flynn, Richmond River Independent

Before he headed up North Coast Community Housing, John McKenna spent his childhood growing up in public housing.

Having a home and access to education gave him opportunities that led him to where he is now – so he knows just how important stable housing is.

With 3000 families currently on the region’s wait list for social housing, John was proud to announce that a new social and affordable housing development project will be built this year on Callistemon St in Casino.

The development consists of nine two-bedroom units, funded by $1 million from the NSW Government with NCCH funding the balance.

The architect designed buildings will become four social housing units, two affordable housing units for “key workers” and three units which will go on public sale for first home buyers or “downsizers”.

The project is already DA approved and construction is expected to begin in October.

Of those waiting for social housing in the region, 67% on the list are families headed by a woman and 87% need one or two-bedroom homes.

“The smaller homes can’t be found in the private market, but community housing can fill that niche,” John said.

“While this project is just the start of addressing the region’s dire need for affordable housing, it’s the most we have been able to build in the 12 years I’ve been in this job.

“It is one of five developments across the region, with 100 homes expected to be built within two years.”

With rents at a record high and a shortage of rentals across the region, John said “it’s almost impossible for working people on low to moderate incomes to find housing”.

“The only way the housing crisis can be addressed is by more collaborations between government, private developers and community housing providers,” he said.

“We know that homelessness is a big issue at the moment and the only way to solve it is to provide housing.

“Social housing is for those in the most need and we can make a make a difference in people’s lives.”

This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 4 August 2021.