‘Intergenerational circuit breaker’: Housing project to provide safe accommodation for vulnerable families

A new housing project will provide up to 4000 nights of safe accommodation for vulnerable women and children following a landmark partnership.

A new housing project will provide up to 4000 nights of safe accommodation in Logan for vulnerable women and children following a landmark partnership between The Lady Musgrave Trust and the Property Industry Foundation.

The Lady Musgrave Trust’s Logan Housing Hub, has been designed by young mums at risk of homelessness including mother of three Kloe.

Kloe, 28, said the hub would provide a “vital” support network for single mums and domestic violence survivors. 

“We were going from shelter to shelter, motel to motel,” she said.

“That was very scary for young children … every one deserves a safe, stable house.”

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Lauren said she struggled to find accommodation that “accepted” her infant son. She said the facilities, which include a parking bay for prams, would assist other young mums.

Kloe, 28, and Lauren, 21, new housing project in Logan for young women and children experiencing homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence. Picture: Liam Kidston

The hub will provide four fully self-contained safe homes for single mothers aged 18 to 24, as well as onsite support, social spaces and proximity to schools, parks and transport.

The Lady Musgrave Trust CEO Victoria Parker said a prime block of land in Logan had already been donated and they were hopeful tenants could be housed by Christmas, 2024.

Ms Parker said the hub would be an “intergenerational circuit breaker”.

“This coalition of powerful partners will mean young Queensland women who need it most will have a safe place to live and receive the support they need to get ahead,” she said.

The Property Industry Foundation’s Queensland State Manager Antoinette Rusby-Perera said the Foundation was hoping to raise $200,000 at its annual pledge night to support this project.

“Upon completion, the purpose-built development will consist of four self-contained units that will deliver approximately 4,000 nights of safety annually, contributing to the protection and wellbeing of young Australians facing hardship,” Ms Rusby-Perera said.

Queensland State Manager Antoinette Rusby-Perera, Kloe, 28, The Lady Musgrave Trust CEO Victoria Parker, and Lauren, 21, looking over the new housing project plans in Logan. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Parker said this project was an opportunity for young mums to make these units their homes for about 12 months, and to gain stability, develop life skills and build great futures for themselves and their children.

“This project will meet a critical need for social and affordable housing for this cohort of women in Logan who desperately need housing support,” she said.

“For many young mums, the work really starts when they have (a) secure roof over their head, it provides an essential base for them to regain control and confidence and for many, might be the first safe home for them and their children.

“These young women are vulnerable, so a secure space is essential.”

Ms Rusby-Perera reiterated the importance of these initiatives within the context of the escalating cost of living and housing crisis.

“Projects like these not only construct physical spaces but also provide essential lifelines that empower disadvantaged youth and break the cycle of hardship,” she said.

Other industry groups and professionals donating their time and resources towards the new project include a pro bono project team comprising Blight Rayner Architects, MACE, Kane Constructions, Saunders Havill and legal services group HopgoodGanim.