From Empty Units to New Beginnings

When Albany's housing crisis was at its peak, a local community member approached the Albany Community Foundation with a simple idea: could a number of unused accommodation units be brought back into service to help families experiencing housing insecurity?

What followed was a powerful example of community collaboration in action.

Working alongside housing providers, support services, local government, businesses, tradespeople, volunteers and donors, the Foundation helped coordinate a project to refurbish five unused units and transform them into safe, short-term accommodation for people in need.

The journey was far from simple. Lease arrangements, support services, funding, approvals and refurbishment works all needed to be brought together. But by focusing on a shared goal, partners across the community found a way forward.

Completed in late 2024, the five units are now managed by Advance Housing, with residents supported by Anglicare WA through wraparound services designed to help people move towards longer-term housing stability.

The project was made possible through the generosity of local trades, suppliers, volunteers, businesses, community organisations and government partners, who contributed significant in-kind support and funding to bring the vision to life.

While no single project can solve the housing crisis, the Albany Community Foundation Housing Project demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together to address a local challenge. More than refurbished buildings, these units represent safety, stability and new opportunities for individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances.

It is a reminder that lasting change often begins with a simple idea and a community willing to work together to make it happen.

Photo courtesy of The Albany Advertiser