Proving housing for the disadvantaged

The Wintringham Port Melbourne Hostel in Melbourne, Australia provides a permanent home to 36 frail older people who were formerly living on the streets or in temporary housing and who are particularly vulnerable to life in homeless persons' shelters. The hostel is of high-quality design and consists of six cottages set within landscaped gardens. Each of the cottages houses between five and seven residents, each with their own en-suite room. A part-time house-carer prepares the daily meals and gives support and assistance. Innovative approaches to design and management have been used, enabling lower than average construction and running costs to be achieved, whilst providing a high quality of life for the residents.