Tens of thousands of homeless and unemployed people, many on fixed or low incomes, cannot see how they will ever own their own home. Fusion Australia has initiated the development of unique "villagettes" so that people on welfare benefits can have a chance of owning a home and finding a productive place within a healthy community. The plan has caught the attention of community leaders in Ghana, Nigeria, Canada, India and South Africa. They are inviting Fusion to partner with them as they address the significant challenges they face in housing and employment.
The Villagette development, named "The Mountain View Community Estate" is situated in Rocherlea, a suburb of Launceston. As well as providing affordable housing the project will stimulate urban renewal, create employment, provide vocational training and develop a community where people have a chance to thrive and contribute. A unique feature of the program will be the recognition of community service as part payment for the dwellings. Fusion has initiated the project in cooperation with Launceston City Council and in partnership with the Tasmanian Government.The price of housing will enable people to buy their own 1, 2 or 3 bedroom dwelling, with repayments being about the same as the prevailing Housing Department rental and is already proving very appealing to potential buyers. The Villagette will include a small retail complex that will complement existing services and will include a community hall, community veggie garden and recreation areas including swimming pool, half court tennis court. In a number of ways it will add to local recreational amenities for families.Part of the project design includes a VET (Vocational Education Training) program which turns community need into vocational opportunities through training. Courses will include Aged Care, Child Care, Retail, Health Care, First Responder's Training, First Aid, Parenting, Horticulture, Active Volunteering and more, all of which will prepare unemployed young people and others for job readiness. Qualified Fusion workers will provide mentoring and training.The project will provide jobs in the building sector during the construction phase. It will also stimulate further employment as people receive training and support. It is hoped that it will create opportunities for local government, schools, churches, service clubs and existing local services. Already, Fusion Australia and Brookes High School have developed a productive connection with training for students in the building trades through Fusion's Home Support Service in Launceston. This will be extended to the construction stage of the Villagette.Source: Fusion Australia via Australian Prayer Network
