New Endeavour Foundation accessible houses to change lives in Mackay

The future resident of a newly opened accessibly-designed house said he was ‘absolutely gobsmacked’ by the disability-friendly design, saying he could not express how thankful he was.

Chris is one of the future residents of two new accessibly-designed houses built specifically to make life easier and more independent for people living with disability.

The housing crisis is affecting all Australians, especially those living with disability, but one Mackay resident will soon be moving into his dream home.

Mackay man Chris is one of the future residents of two new accessibly-designed houses built specifically to make life easier and more independent for people living with disability.

Endeavour Foundation’s My Home, My Life initiative helped build the $2.1 million houses with each providing a home to four people with disability.

“When I saw this house for the very first time today, I was absolutely gobsmacked because it’s so big and so awesome,” Chris said.

One of the lucky people living with disability who will live in the houses, Chris said he was grateful at the opening of Endeavour Foundation's new accessible housing in Mackay. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I can’t even mention how thankful I am to all the people that have done this

“Because they’ve put in such hard work with the technology to help disability people such as myself and I’m really thankful to them.

“I’m also thankful that me and my future roommates can pull pranks on the (support) staff.”

The houses’ accessibility features include adjustable kitchen benches, as well as extra wide and easy to manoeuvre corridors and doors.

One of the two new accessible houses ready for people living with disability in Mackay. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Both are five bedroom, four for people with disability and one for a support worker, and Chris is already excited to recruit some housemates.

“I want a roommate who loves cats, because I really want to get a cat,” he said.

“Or similar interests such as gaming or cooking, I do not care what age (they are).”

Endeavour Foundation executive general manager of home and community services Leanne Rutherford at the opening of new accessible housing in Mackay. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Endeavour Foundation executive general manager of home and community Leanne Rutherford said the new Mackay houses were just the start of a huge plan to support people with disability.

She said they were investing $45 million over four years as part of My Home, My Life into renovating existing homes as well as building new accessible homes.

“Across Queensland … we’re building 70 brand new homes (and) refurbishing a further 23 homes,” Ms Rutherford said.

As the housing crisis hits people living with disability even harder, the community turned out to celebrate the new accessible houses. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“By the end of that project we’ll be able to house 600 people with disability in those homes.

“Affordable housing is a challenge across the board … for people living with disability, it’s just that little bit more difficult.

“So this is our contribution to people finding affordable housing that’s safe and secure for them.”