What is Community Housing?
Community Housing is housing provided by non-government organisations for low to moderate income households.
Across Australia, over 2 000 community housing organisations provide over 25 000 homes for low to moderate income households. The number of homes provided by each organisation varies from very small numbers to several thousand.
Historically, community housing has been provided by housing co-operatives and housing associations. In Tasmania, over 1 500 homes are provided by around 100 different community housing organisations.
These organisations were largely funded from tied capital grants under the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement; the forerunner to the current National Affordable Housing Agreement 2009-2014.
Community housing is an integral part of the social housing system. It aims to provide an affordable, safe and sustainable housing outcome for its tenants.
The Future of Community Housing
A change is happening to social housing. It is called Better Housing Futures.
Social housing is public housing provided by Housing Tasmania and housing provided by community housing organisations for people on low to moderate incomes.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to providing quality, sustainable social housing for Tasmanians on low to moderate incomes.
Better Housing Futures is a critical step in making social housing better for people who need it most.
Community housing is the new way of providing social housing to people who need housing assistance.
Community housing organisations can provide improved housing because they have more ways of funding their housing services.
Better Housing Futures will provide a new approach and new services that community housing organisations have to offer including more maintenance.
For more information Better Housing Futures
Who is Community Housing for?
Community Housing is available for people on low to moderate incomes, including families, young people, older people, people with mental illnesses and people with disabilities.
Who is eligible for Community Housing?
Eligibility for Community Housing varies depending on the organisation. Most people on low to moderate incomes are eligible.
How much does it cost?
Most community housing organisations charge rent based on household income. The rent is usually less than 30 per cent of a household's gross income or 75 per cent of market rent.
Community housing organisations are beginning to provide affordable home ownership options too.
How do I apply?
We are introducing a housing register during 2012-13. This will mean that Tasmanians will soon be able to apply for a range of social housing options, including public and community housing, at one location.
Until then, if you want to apply for community housing you can apply directly to the different community housing organisations available in your area.
Who can I talk to?
For more information talk to staff from your nearest Housing Tasmania Service Centre or contact Shelter Tasmania on (03) 6224 5488. Shelter Tasmania is an independent social housing and homelessness peak body.