Housing Improvements and Development
It's hotting up in Dunedin
- Just Housing Project Coordinator Reverend Dennis Povey.
An exciting new development in social housing is on the agenda in Dunedin - four new homes will be built in the suburb of Wakari this year.
The project will assist low-income people into affordable sustainable housing and the homes will include a number of energy efficiency features.
The new houses will be owned by Just Housing Otepoti, a charitable trust supported by Presbyterian Support Otago.
Cold weather is a big issue in Dunedin and a warm home is a high priority. The homes include a number of features that maximise energy efficiency and make them sustainable in the long-term.
The features include insulation, living spaces that face the sun, stone to reflect passive heat, double glazing and heat pumps. Solar water heating might also be included but will depend on the cost.
"Housing is a critical element in people's social wellbeing," according to Just Housing Project Coordinator, Reverend Dennis Povey.
"The Trust is about making the scarce dollar go further by providing affordable housing for low income people in need.
"In our experience, many problems go away when people have adequate income," said Dennis.
Rents for the new homes will be based on 75 percent of the market rent in the area.
By 2011, the Trust hopes to have 20 homes worth an estimated $5 - $7 million, with at least $1.5 million needing to come from the Otago community.
This is a $1 million project funded by Housing New Zealand's Housing Innovation Fund, Just Housing Otepoti Dunedin and supported by the Dunedin City Council. It is expected the homes will be completed by October.
