18 BHC Creating Liveable Communities In May 2023, Elevate Residential and BHC joined forces to launch Project 55, an initiative aimed at directly supporting older women aged over 55 who are at risk of homelessness. This demographic continues to be the fastest-growing cohort of homeless individuals in Australia, with a distressing number living in extreme poverty. Project 55 encouraged property owners to make a positive impact by enlisting Elevate Residential to manage their investment properties. In doing so, 100% of the profits from commissions generated by their properties were channeled toward sponsoring safe and affordable housing for women at BHC’s New Farm property. In the past year, eleven women over 55, who were experiencing homelessness or housing instability, have been housed within Project 55. This included one woman who was previously homeless and living in her car, two elderly pensioners that were facing unaffordable rent increases in private rentals, and five who were struggling with short-term accommodation or long-term couch surfing. The residents have expressed widespread appreciation for the property during both formal and informal meetings, with praise for its favourable location, accessibility, and bright, airy atmosphere. One resident expressed enthusiasm for gardening at the property, while another praised the convenience of her room and the property’s proximity to various places around New Farm. BHC was able to further enhance the amenity of the property and the women’s community experience, by successfully securing grant funding from the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund, which was subsequently used to facilitate upgrades and landscaping improvements. While the project was initially slated to run for a year, Elevate Residential and BHC are thrilled that its success has meant that Project 55 will continue to run, providing much needed support for older women at risk of homelessness. Project 55 23 $8,500 $770 100% 11 Property owners Funds accumulated Average support per resident Rental subsidy Women supported Property Management with Impact BY ELEVATE RESIDENTIAL Project 55
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