Governor-General Sam Mostyn bore witness to the signing of three homeownership deeds for Project Independence residents, marking a significant milestone for the organisation. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
When most of us sign a homeownership deed, we rope a family member or long-time friend to witness — but for three people in the ACT, the name on their deed will be none other than the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC.
The Governor-General of Australia is no ordinary signatory, but these are no ordinary deeds. The three proud homeowners with intellectual disabilities are part of the Project Independence (PI) community, and their success signals a significant milestone for the organisation.
CEO Michael Claessens said it was a testament to what’s possible when community, innovation and inclusion come together
“These residents might have to get their deeds framed and hung,” he said.
PI launched in the ACT over a decade ago with a model unique in Australia that creates pathways to home ownership for people living on disability support pensions.
After a year of living in a PI apartment, residents have the option to convert their initial entrance fee — 10 per cent of the capital value of the apartment — into equity in that apartment.
From there, the organisation collects a small portion of their disability pension each fortnight and converts that into more equity. Residents can choose to invest as much or as little additional capital as they want, building on their nest egg as the capital value of the apartment rises with the ultimate goal of full ownership.
This model supports PI’s namesake goal as a champion of independence for people with intellectual disability — financial and otherwise.
“That element of building equity to eventually own a home is very important, but equally, we’re building a community that will help people with intellectual disability transition to fully independent living,” Michael said.
“It’s a community of people living together, but in their own apartments. They can communicate and help each other out, and we encourage them to eat together as much as possible, and to build relationships of inter-dependence as much as independence.”
With three locations in the ACT, each featuring 10 fully occupied apartments, and plans underway for apartments in Sydney and Melbourne, the PI model expansion arrives at a critical juncture in the country’s disability care industry.
With recommendations for the phasing out of group homes, and more people with disability living with an aging baby boomer parent, the number of people looking for affordable, dignified accommodation is set to skyrocket beyond the country’s means.
“People could end up in pretty wretched circumstances — it’s a bit anxiety-inducing,” Michael said.
“Our model doesn’t just put a roof over their heads — it’s the right roof. That gives confidence to their guardians and parents that their loved one with disability will be able to live in a good, safe, healthy way after they’re gone.
“We already have long waiting lists — the need is there.”
While PI residents have their own NDIS packages to service their needs, each PI location also has a live-in resident coordinator, supported by a floating operations manager who is always ready and willing to lend support and offer an open ear.
Michael said that feedback from PI residents indicates the model builds confidence and capacity.
“One resident who came to PI from a group home told me one of the things that really stood out for him as life-changing was the ability to lock his door. He really valued — and deserved — the simple autonomy to choose who came into his home,” Michael said.
“When we look back at how our residents arrived at PI, how they lived there and how their lives have unfurled there over the past 10 years, many arrived without jobs. Now around 70 per cent have jobs. Our Pathways program helps, as does this model, which champions their independence and builds their confidence.”
Michael said the participation of Governor-General Sam Mostyn at the deed-signing event brought home the significance of the residents’ achievements.
“There are many competing needs in our society, and ours can be a little hidden. Having a patron like the Governor-General helps with visibility and recognition of this vulnerable group, and the fact that PI has an effective, shovel-ready solution for helping them in a concrete way,” he said.
“It’s enormously encouraging, and when you see the pride in our residents’ faces, you know it’s worth it.”
To find out more about this innovative program, visit Project Independence.
