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THE house at 133 Waratah Road, Huntly might look like a normal family home, but it is anticipated to make a lasting difference to the lives of people who have experienced homelessness.
Profits from the sale of the newly built house in the Viewpoint estate will go towards the construction of an education centre at Sidney Myer Haven, a supported housing facility operated by Haven; Home, Safe.
The homelessness services and housing provider expects the sale of the house, which will go on the market next week, will generate at least $100,000 for the education centre.
The centre will support education and development programs delivered to tenants of Sidney Myer Haven, where there are 19 two-bedroom units for people in need of transitional housing.
Real estate agency PRDnationwide has signed on to market and sell the Huntly house for free.
Director Tom Isaacs was confident the house would have no trouble attracting a buyer.
Mr Isaacs said there were plenty of people already looking to buy in the estate and sales rates had been “really strong”.
“It’s the perfect place to construct a charity house,” Mr Isaacs said.
The four-bedroom home has two living areas, an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom, a double garage, and ducted heating and split-system cooling.
It will come with landscaped gardens and fitted with curtains and blinds.
Mr Isaacs said the house was on a premium block in the estate and he expected it to fetch $340,000 to $350,000.
“I think it’s important that people understand they’re not just purchasing a house, they’re purchasing something that gives back to the community so significantly,” he said.
The home was constructed by JG King Homes at a reduced price and developer Integra sold the land at a discount.
Haven; Home, Safe chairwoman Sue Clarke said Sidney Myer Haven tenants signed on to live at the facility for a minimum of two years, during which time they also undertook education and training in independent living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, parenting and budgeting, with 24-hour access to support.
“The cycle of homelessness often can’t be broken just by providing housing,” Ms Clarke said.
She said this housing model was the only one of its kind in Australia.
Tenants had lived in the facility for about 12 months, she said, and evaluations of the program so far had indicated “outstanding” results.
The education centre is expected to cost about $450,000 to build and is due to be completed in February next year.