Endeavour Foundation commits $2 million to accessible housing in Hermit Park

Hermit Park will play host to brand new accessible housing with a new Endeavour home to put a roof over the heads of three local residents.

Hermit Park will play host to brand new accessible housing with a new Endeavour home to put a roof over the heads of three local residents.

John Galligan and his housemates have been living in private rental properties with the support of Endeavour Foundation, however, a purpose-built home will make life easier.

It’s part of the My Home, My Life initiative, which will see more than $2m invested in building that home and refurbishing three others in Townsville and Ayr.

Endeavour chief executive Andrew Donne said $35m would be invested over three years across Queensland.

First residents John Galligan, Brendan Duncanson and Malcolm Growns with CEO Andrew Donne (LEFT) and Phil Thompson. Endeavour Foundation will invest $2,063,000 in the Townsville region as part of its landmark My Home, My Life initiative to address the shortage of suitable housing affecting people with disability. Construction will begin this month on the first new Townsville home. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

“This particular house will be a five-bedroom home. There will be four bedrooms for people with a disability and one additional bedroom for a 24-hour support person,” Mr Donne said.

“We’ll also have some interactive technologies in the property to ensure customers can communicate with the staff person should they need it. This is what you and I take for granted – safe, accessible housing close to shops, public transport and where they work. It’s all about supported independent living.”

CEO Andrew Donne. Endeavour Foundation will invest $2,063,000 in the Townsville region as part of its landmark My Home, My Life initiative to address the shortage of suitable housing affecting people with disability. Construction will begin this month on the first new Townsville home. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

The home will be built in an established residential area, providing residents with the opportunity to easily connect with their neighbours and community.

One of those residents, Mr Galligan, has spent 10 years in Townsville and works at Endeavour’s Townsville Disability Enterprise.

He said the home meant a lot, and he was looking forward to growing his beloved lemon and mandarin trees and holding barbecues at the new home.

Originally published as Endeavour Foundation commits $2 million to accessible housing in Hermit Park