Unison Housing | Non-profit organisation

Unison Housing

Phone: +61 3 9349 0250

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• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation
• Housing assistance service

25.01.2022 James King, Unison’s CEO said about last night’s budget announcement It is disappointing the 20/21 #budget didn’t include a much needed boost to #socialhousing, or additional support to vulnerable people. It is said that in next month’s State budget, Victorians will see the biggest economic recovery effort the state has ever seen and it is anticipated social and affordable housing investment will be included in this recovery. Unison is looking forward to working with the State Government on delivering for vulnerable people.

25.01.2022 People don’t choose to be homeless, says Professor Guy Johnson, from the Unison Housing Research Lab. Life shocks are often what tip people over the edge. Head to our website to read the second instalment of our interview with Guy where he talks about factors that contribute to homelessness. https://unison.org.au//part-2-an-interview-with-professor-... #affordablehousing @SGSC_RMIT #everybodyshome

24.01.2022 Often people in crisis can’t see beyond today and their current situation. I can assist by helping with applications and support, and believing in my clients and encouraging them; letting them know that although they are struggling at the moment, once they get settled, they will not struggle as much. Joannah spoke about how Private Rental Access Program (PRAP) clients are often traumatised, vulnerable and lack the confidence to apply for a rental property, and how the team... help them navigate the processes to get them settled. A key finding of the Unison Housing Research Lab’s evaluation found an estimated 8 in 10 households that used the PRAP service have maintained their housing and avoided homelessness. Head to our website to read the full interview with Joannah https://unison.org.au//private-rental-experience-is-a-real To learn more about the PRAP evaluation report by The Unison Research Lab, head to https://unison.org.au//unison-housing-research-report-no-5 #affordablehousing @SGSC_RMIT #everybodyshome

23.01.2022 Homelessness is a diverse and complex issue. Congratulations to the finalists in the Council to Homeless Persons Victorian Homelessness Media Awards, and thank you for your respectful portrayal of people experiencing homelessness. https://chp.org.au/media-awards/vhma-2020-finalists/

22.01.2022 The wonderful Kensington Community Food Forest is flourishing and has produced over 30 kgs of vegies and herbs for over 60 local families in food crisis. The Forest sprung into action earlier in the year to help out. Unison Housing, Jacqueline van Heerden and City of Melbourne popped seedlings in, especially quick growing leafy greens, to bolster the already healthy Forest harvest. ... It has been so good for our wellbeing during this tough year, to get out in the garden, harvest and help our community. said Forest Care Group member Alicia. Read more about the wonderful Food Forest here https://unison.org.au/news/bumper-harvest-in-times-of-covid #communitiesthatthrive #communitygarden

22.01.2022 Today is World Mental Health Day and the simple message is - Look after your mental health, Australia. Everyone is different, and there is no single best approach to staying mentally well, however taking some time each day to focus on your own wellbeing can have a huge positive impact on your mental health. Here is a really cool calendar with some great ideas and activities to help us connect with others and look after our mental health during October and beyond. http://ow....ly/zO8G50BLFms You will also find some terrific resources and information at Heads Up http://ow.ly/UZmr50BLFnM and Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

20.01.2022 Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation continued commitment to create social change is inspiring.

20.01.2022 In Melbourne we can now travel 25kms from our homes, as part of the current COVID-19 requirements. Find out where 25kms takes you, and get an up to date on COVID-19 restrictions as of midnight last night at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-far-25km-your-home

19.01.2022 NAIDOC Week 2020: Always Was, Always Will Be. recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. This week provides the opportunity to come together and celebrate and learn about First Nation culture. Follow @NAIDOC to stay up-to-date on how we can come together to learn, listen and participate https://www.facebook.com/NAIDOC/posts/4816164215090966 #alwayswasalwayswillbe #naidocweek2020 #aboriginalculture #communitiesthatthrive

15.01.2022 Our business will be closed on Monday June 14 for the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday. We will reopen at 9am on Tuesday June 15. During our business closure,... Unison residents requiring repairs should call (03) 9349 0261 (24/7). For anyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness, please call 1800 825 955 (free call 24/7) for assistance. See more

14.01.2022 A standing ovation for Erika Lodge on being selected as a finalist in the City of Melbourne 2020 Melbourne Awards, Community Champion category! We are so excited for Erika. You can tune in to Channel 9 later today at 2pm to hear some of the good news stories to come out of COVID-19 including Erika’s story. https://unison.org.au/news/congratulations-erika... #communitiesthatthrive #melbourneawards Kensington Neighbourhood House Les Twentyman Foundation Hotham Mission

14.01.2022 Many of our residents have minimal contact with their family and friends and I can develop a good relationship with them just by giving them time and having a chat. I think it is the small things, like conversation, that can be the most important. Irena is a Unison Housing Support Worker, a role funded by the Department of Health and Human services to provide health and wellbeing support to vulnerable residents. Working alongside her team mates, Irena played an importan...t role in the assisting tenants to settle into Unison’s new apartment block. Housing stability can take more than just providing a house; it takes kindness and support. Head over to our website to read the full story. https://unison.org.au//housing-stability-takes-more-than-j #communitiesthatthrive #affordablehousing #homelessness

13.01.2022 My work has always engaged with service providers but not only those interested in investigating what works and why, but also what doesn’t work and why. Guy Johnson is the first Professor of Urban Housing and Homelessness in Australia. He is also Director of the Unison Housing Research Lab. In a 3-part chat with Guy, he talks about the Lab’s work, what has changed for people who are homeless and what sparked his interest in homelessness. ... Head to our website for Part 1. https://unison.org.au//what-does-the-unison-housing-resear #affordablehousing RMIT Social and Global Studies Centre #everybodyshome

13.01.2022 Feeling connected is important. Going for a walk with friends, having a chat, a coffee together or being part of a community activity all adds to our wellbeing. Unison is undertaking a study on the social life of two of our communities. Some of the findings have been presented by Unison Research Lab member, Fiona Carey, which you can read by heading to our website. https://unison.org.au//supporting-and-sustaining-tenancies

12.01.2022 Unison welcomes the Victorian Government’s $5.3billion investment in social and affordable housing and we look forward to working with the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services, and the wider community housing sector to increase the supply of good quality housing for the most vulnerable in our community. We are also grateful for the relentless advocacy work undertaken by Community Housing Industry Association Victoria, Council to Homeless Persons and Victorian Council of Social Service Council To Homeless Persons #affordablehousing #everybodyshome #homelessness https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=709748253312396

12.01.2022 This is a fabulous resource. Thank you for sharing Kensington Neighbourhood House

12.01.2022 This is an important free service for our older folk who may need support with understanding the changing COVID-19 restrictions and requirements, or may just like a friendly chat. Thanks for sharing Housing for the Aged Action Group

12.01.2022 It is a lot more lighter and brighter than the old building. Squirt loves the balcony for a bit of a wander. Wheel’s tells his story of the importance of having his own space and feeling part of the community, in the latest of #OurTenantStories series. Wheels and his furry mate Squirt recently moved back to Melbourne’s West and into Unison’s new modern apartment building with private facilities. They were former residents of an aged and dilapidated building of 17 units th...at used to be on the block. It gives me a real sense of freedom and is less stressful. I was so thrilled when Irena from Unison rang up to ask if I wanted to move back. Thank you Wheels for sharing your story with us. Head to our website to read Wheels’ story in full. https://unison.org.au/news/the-return-home #communitiesthatthrive #affordable housing #accessibility

12.01.2022 We are so proud that our new #socialhousing apartment building in Melbourne’s West has been shortlisted in the Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards, Affordable Development category. The building was launched in June and has a focus on residents’ well-being and quality of life. Many of the new residents moved in from rooming houses and have settled well in their lovely new self-contained units. Want to know a bit more about this quality affordable property? Watc...h a video about the new apartment building here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_N3hxiFeew #affordablehousing #sustainable #communitiesthatthrive #affordablehousingdesign

11.01.2022 The re-development of an old rooming house into 38 new self-contained apartments in Fairfield is taking shape nicely. The heritage site is steeped in a rich and fascinating history, find out more on our blog - https://unison.org.au//new-life-for-an-historic-building-a #affordablehousing #socialhousing Credit: https://vimeo.com/467996850/63376e2fbc

10.01.2022 Armindo has settled into his new self contained #affordable apartment after moving from a rooming house, AND his beloved Tigers are Premiers. "I am speechless and so happy the boys came back!" Win. Win.

10.01.2022 Unison's Acting CEO James King is very proud of how the team has adapted to the new "normal" and delivered services in new ways. "There have been some great initiatives to ensure our tenants and clients continue to be supported." Unsurprisingly, Unison has seen an increase in need, in particular in our homelessness services. The need for more affordable housing has never been more evident.... Read more of Jame's interview in the Community Housing Industry Association Vic's latest magazine. https://chiavic.com.au/news-2/magazine/

09.01.2022 cohealth are running vaccine information sessions via zoom this week for community groups. The sessions are in Arabic, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Community language info about cohealth's vaccine program or to book a community information session, head along to cohealth.org.au/vaccine-engagement

09.01.2022 We are now down to 5 new COVID-19 cases as announced today. This is such terrific news! However it is still very important to get tested if you have any symptoms no matter how minor.... Here is the DHHS link to find out where you can get tested. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

08.01.2022 Happy Diwali! Today is the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik and marks the beginning of the 5 days celebration. It is a festival of lights and every Indian celebrates it with joy. For those who are celebrating, may the lights of Diwali make your and your loved ones’ life brighter and happier.

08.01.2022 Unison tenants are set to benefit from electricity generated from our solar panel project. Thanks go out to Solar Victoria and the Victorian Property Fund for funding this great initiative. 47 of our standalone properties and 17 multi-occupancy social housing properties have been fitted with solar PV panels which will generate electricity for the buildings. ... We are very proud of this project which will help reduce the environmental impact of our housing and save money for our tenants over time. Read more about the project and our partners at our blog https://unison.org.au//tenants-and-the-environment-benefit Bunjil Energy BOOMPower #communitiesthatthrive #socialhousing #solarenergy

08.01.2022 Did you know up to 8 litres of moisture is released daily into the air from cooking, showering, breathing and drying your clothes for example! A buildup of condensation during the colder months may cause dampness which in turn can make you sick and damage your home. Here are a few tips to keep your home well-aired this Winter: Open windows a little every day ... Open the bathroom window slightly and turn on the fan when taking a bath or shower Keep lids on pots when cooking and turn on the rangehood fan Allow space between your furniture and walls to allow air flow Dry your clothes outside if possible

07.01.2022 Just a reminder that a well fitted face mask must be worn whenever you leave home, to help us all take care and stay safe. Here's a reminder on the correct and incorrect ways to wear a mask.

05.01.2022 Social housing: is it serving the most vulnerable? Join us for this special event from the Unison Housing Research Lab. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/social-housing-is-it-servin The centrepiece of Unison’s research partnership with RMIT University is the design and implementation of a longitudinal panel survey called Maximising Impact. ... Over a two-and-a-half-year period, Maximising Impact is following 170 new Unison tenants to determine which factors contribute to tenancy sustainment and tenancy satisfaction, as well as community and economic participation. In order to help people thrive in social housing, we need to better understand our tenants. The event will present key findings from the baseline survey and give us insights into who Unison’s social housing tenants are. This will be an interactive event with an overview of the report findings and a discussion with Prof Guy Johnson and Dr Sarah Taylor from RMIT University, and there will be plenty of opportunities for Q&A. @SGSC_RMIT #affordablehousing #everybodyshome #homelessness

04.01.2022 A part time job in emergency housing in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs is where it all began for Professor Guy Johnson, the Director of Unison Housing’s Research Lab. In the final chapter of our 3-part chat with Guy, he talks about what sparked his interest in #homelessness and why it occurs, and the work he is most proud of. Head along to our blog to read Part 3. https://unison.org.au//part-3-an-interview-with-prof-guy-j... The full interview series is available in our website News section. https://unison.org.au/news

04.01.2022 West is best reckons Wheels and his furry mate Squirt. Wheels and Squirt moved back to the West and into Unison’s brand new self contained apartments, and feel they are back home again. I really relate to the community here and they welcomed us back said Wheels, adding that Squirt was equally happy to return, instantly recognising the smells and heading straight to his favourite butcher for a few tidbits! ... Thank you so much Wheels for sharing your story as part of #OurTenantStories series. Head to our website to read Wheels’ full story. https://unison.org.au/news/the-return-home #communitiesthatthrive #affordable housing #accessibility

04.01.2022 Beautiful vegies, leafy greens and herbs are spilling out of baskets in Kensington, as they are harvested from the Kensington Community Food Forest for people in food crisis. There is fresh food on the menu and spirits have been lifted! The Food Forest is one of a number of local community gardens that have produced over 100 kgs of fresh vegies and herbs for over 60 families which has been amazing. ... The food forest is thriving. We never imagined at the beginning how much it would yield in an ongoing capacity and continue to regenerate, said Unison’s Community Engagement, Place Manager Deb Wilson. https://unison.org.au/news/bumper-harvest-in-times-of-covid City of Melbourne #communitiesthatthrive #communitygarden

03.01.2022 Its great to be working with McAuley Community Services for Women at our new apartment building in Melbourne’s West. A home is more than just a roof over our heads; it includes our social life, our #communityconnections and support networks. Our partnership with McAuley Community Services for Women is helping women settle into their beautiful new home, develop trusting relationships and stay connected with their neighbourhood. Read more about our collaboration by heading to our blog https://unison.org.au//supporting-and-sustaining-tenancies

03.01.2022 Since he was seven years old, Wheels has been getting about in a wheelchair. He reckons Melbourne’s West is a pretty good place to live. I find the people here friendly and accepting of diversity, he says. ... Wheels has returned to live at one of Unison’s properties in the west, after a former aged and dilapidated block was demolished and a modern apartment building with private facilities built in its place. It is home. It is a lot more wheelchair accessible and people are really considerate. We say a big thank you to Wheels for sharing his story as part of the #OurTenantStories series. You can read it here https://unison.org.au/news/the-return-home #affordablehousing #everybodyshome

02.01.2022 We congratulate James King on being appointed as Unison CEO on a permanent basis. Reflecting on his appointment, James said: "Leading the largest community housing provider in Victoria over the past 6 months in the acting CEO role has been the most rewarding time of my career. I am excited by the opportunity to continue as CEO. There is widespread recognition in the community of the need to provide greater opportunities for safe, secure and affordable housing. Unison is uniqu...ely placed to provide support and pathways from disadvantage and house the people who need it most. Read more at our blog https://unison.org.au//unison-is-pleased-to-announce-the-a #communitiesthatthrive #socialhousing @SocialHousing #Homelessness

02.01.2022 Today is #WorldHomelessDay, we thank Muna and Nikki, two of our Team Leaders from Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) program sharing their stories on how COVID-19 has bought a whole new dimension to the homelessness problem. Since March this year, our team of 10 have assisted over 1000 unique households into temporary hotel accommodation. Muna and Nikki both agree on the biggest challenge homeless services have faced this year and will continue to face.... "The real homeless situation is now being revealed however the current homelessness service resources are not enough. We need increased service and support funding but critically, we need more appropriate and sustainable affordable housing options, especially for single people stressed Muna. Yes we do have complex clients who have high support needs, but we are also increasingly seeing people who don’t need a case worker. They are on a low income and just need an affordable place to live, added Nikki. Read the full interview on our blog http://ow.ly/XR0s50BNTvS #affordablehousing #socialhousing

02.01.2022 The Recycling Revolution is coming! From the end of November, residents living in City of Yarra will need to separate glass from other recycling. Look out for new purple-lidded glass bins. In the meantime, there's a webinar on today at 2:30pm to get us all ready for the change. Yarra City Council

01.01.2022 Housing stability can take more than just providing a house; it takes kindness and support. Many of our residents have minimal contact with their family and friends and I can develop a good relationship with them just by giving them time and having a chat. I think it is the small things, like conversation, that can be the most important. Irena is a Unison Housing Support Worker, a role funded by the Department of Health and Human services to provide health and wellbeing support to vulnerable residents. Would you like to know more about this important role, in particular how Irena supported residents with their move to their new home in Footscray? Head over to our website. https://unison.org.au//housing-stability-takes-more-than-j

01.01.2022 Victoria has gone two weeks without any new coronavirus cases or deaths. Keep up the good work everyone and be COVIDSafe.