Great-great-grandmother Terri Taylor has become the first tenant to move into a new social housing complex at Loganholme.
Ms Taylor said securing a spot in the 124-unit block – formerly a retirement complex known as Aveo Freedom Tanah Merah and at one stage Tree Tops – gave her “a whole new lease on life”.
“My lovely unit is so sunny and bright, and for me it means peace,’’ she said.
“Everyone helps each other, I’ve made friends, we go out, we share meals – living here is like having brothers and sisters around, and the staff are just brilliant.
“I walk my friend Lee’s dog Charlie for her every day, our friend Sandra often drives us to the shops and many of us are growing seedlings on our balconies – ready for the community herb and veggie garden we’re making.’’
The state government purchased the vacant retirement village for $44 million late last year and upgraded it to include 85 one-bedroom and 39 two-bedroom homes.
The complex will be managed by Churches of Christ Housing Services and Logan-based specialist service provider YFS.
Church of Christ Housing general manager Gus Taddeo said we shouldn’t “underestimate the scale of this dwelling”
“124 units it has been converted to – that is a very significant impact, and we will be able to a lot of people,” he said.
“We’re here to provide a safe environment and a thriving environment for people to be supported.”
YFS CEO Christopher John said the project would have a “significant impact” on the fight against homelessness in Logan.
According to the government, there are another 260-plus social homes under construction “or contracted to be built very soon” in Logan.
Housing minister Meaghan Scanlon said the government was looking to utilise more former retirement villages, hotels and motels while these homes were being built.
Last Friday another social housing development was launched at Underwood.
This project is set to deliver nine one-bedroom and three three-bedroom homes to people on the social housing register.
In July this year, construction started on a 16-unit social housing complex at Springwood, targeted towards seniors looking to downsize.
The $7.2 million facility will include 12 one-bedrooms units for single people, who in Logan make up the majority of the social housing waiting list, and two six-bedroom units for families.
The majority of the homes will be accessible for seniors and people with disability.
