Community housing is affordable rental housing delivered by mission-driven, not-for-profit organisations. Community housing exists to provide stable and affordable homes to people who are locked out of, or poorly served by, the private rental market.
These renters are often unable to secure a home in the private rental market due to low incomes, high rents and discrimination.
Some community housing organisations specialise in providing homes to specific groups of people or in specific regions. Others offer a wide range of housing.
Most community housing homes are long-term, but some organisations offer programs including crisis and medium-term housing for people exiting homelessness.
The community housing sector is overseen by an independent regulator, which ensures that organisations are delivering safe, secure and affordable homes.
The community housing sector has its origins in the grassroots activism of the 1970s and ‘80s, when housing organisations formed to assist particular groups of people or save affordable housing from gentrification.
Today, not-for-profit community housing organisations provide affordable rental housing to more than 28,000 low-income Victorian households. The community housing sector retains the diversity and flexibility that has always been a source of its strength, while delivering new models and a broader range of housing types to Victorians who are struggling to find a secure and affordable home.
There are more than 50 registered community housing organisations in Victoria, with homes in almost every local government area across the state. The sector also includes a range of other not-for-profit housing providers and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations who provide affordable homes to low income Victorians.
The community housing sector manages more than 28,000 tenancies across Victoria. Nationwide, there are more than 149,000 community housing homes, with some organisations managing tenancies across the country.
You can help put the "community" in community housing. With support from people like you, we can make a real difference.
Drop a pin on the map and leave a message of support to show that community housing is welcome in your area.