Endeavour Foundation’s $35m to build brighter futures
CEO Andrew Donne said he was proud to announce Endeavour Foundation’s $35m My Home, My Life initiative – an investment in 59 new accessible homes and 26 refurbished homes over three years.
“Through this initiative we will replace homes for 252 people with intellectual disability and create new homes for another 100 Queenslanders,” Mr Donne said.
“Sadly, there are currently 5600 Australians with disability aged under 65 living in aged care and this is unacceptable.1 However, the challenge doesn’t stop there.
“Demand for Specialist Disability Accommodation far outstrips the housing available for NDIS participants. In Queensland alone, there are an estimated 1716 people in need of Specialist Disability Accommodation.2
“While we know many people with disability are still living at home with aging parents, or are living in short term or unstable accommodation. “The time for action is now and Endeavour Foundation is doing everything within our power to help meet this need.”
Mr Donne said the first phase of the My Home, My Life initiative will see 15 new homes built before July 2021, in Toowoomba (5), Bundaberg (4), the Sunshine Coast (2), Ipswich (2), the Gold Coast (1) and Townsville (1).
“We have chosen these locations based on growing need in these communities, and access to local services and amenities,” Mr Donne said. “Endeavour Foundation has long been established in both South East Queensland and in regional areas throughout the state.
“The My Home, My Life initiative will support local jobs in construction, trades and suppliers and will create ongoing disability support jobs in the local communities where we are already providing support for people with disability.”
Resident and passionate Maroons fan Jason Moore said he was looking forward to spending time with his mates at home.
“I’m looking forward to holding Origin nights in my new home, things like that,” Mr Moore said.
“It’s going to be good. I’m going to have a BBQ with my housemates.
“It’s very special, it’s one of my dreams, and I’m very excited.”
Mr Donne said Endeavour Foundation would continue to invest in new homes to support greater independence and wellbeing for people with disability.
“Our homes are built to suit the needs of the people who will be living there and include an additional room for a 24/7 support worker as needed,” Mr Donne said.
“We also have additional safety features such as automatic fire sprinkler systems and interconnected smoke alarms.
“Assistive technologies such as help alarms are included in all bedrooms and bathrooms. These features mean people can live as independently as possible, but know that help is available when needed.
“This is just the beginning of our drive to deliver more accessible housing,” he said. “We’re already purchasing land and preparing for the next round of construction in the new financial year.”
For more information go to My Home, My Life
1 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/social-support/younger-people-in-residential-aged-care
2 https://www.summerfoundation.org.au/documents/specialist-disability-accommodation-supply-in-australia/