United Housing Co-operative (UHC) is inviting suitable applications from women over the age of 55 years who would like to live in a Co-operative Village, a social housing, medium density apartment development located at 68 – 78 Summerhill Road in West Footscray, jointly owned by UHC and the Lions Club of Footscray.

The Co-operative Village will operate according to UHC co-operative model where tenant members have rights and responsibilities as both tenants and members, with an expectation that all will contribute to the growth and well-being of the community to the best of their ability. In return tenant members will receive many of the benefits of being part of an engaged community and have access to a Community Facility and gardens.

APARTMENT TYPES

The Village consists of 49 apartments, including a range of one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments built over two and three levels around a central courtyard.  The Village is purpose built and offers a range of facilities for older women to live independently while enjoying the benefits of community living. There are communal areas that include community gardens and its own Multi-Purpose Community Facility that is primarily available to tenant members for community engagement activities and tenant meetings.  Access to upstairs apartments is via one of four staircases, with one lift available near the carpark.

ELIGIBILITY

The Village is primarily targeted at women over the age of 55 years and can include:

One Bedroom

• Single women – Women over the age of 55 years
• Couple – Women over the age of 55 years with partner (any gender).

Two bedrooms

• Two Independent women
• Women over the age of 55 years and full-time live-in carer (VHR approved with independent income / rent paying)
• Women over the age of 55 years with child or grandchild.
• Two independent women over the age of 55 years family/friend on independent income.
• Two bedroom approved Couple under the VHR with proof of medical requirements.

Two Bedrooms DDA Apartments (2 x fully accessible apartments)

• VHR approved with special accommodation requirements and medical evidence.

If unable to fill vacancies, with the target group, we may consider younger Single Parent with female children for the 2 bedroom apartments.

Applicants need to meet Homes Victoria income and eligibility requirements.

UHC allocation is 75% to Priority Access Housing applicants and 25% to Register of Interest applicants from the Victorian Housing Register.

Current Social Housing Income and Asset limits (from 15 May 2025):

• Maximum Income limit for Single Register of Interest applicant is $60,164 per year ($1,157 per week); $91,988 per year ($1,769 per week) for couple; or $124,072 per year ($2,386 per week) for single parent with one or two dependents. The asset limit for Register of Interest is $58,183.
• Maximum Income limit for Single Priority Access Housing applicant is $40,872 per year ($786 per week) or $69,836 per year ($1,343 per week) for couple; or $71,604 per year ($1,377 per week) for single parent with one or two dependents. The Priority Access housing asset limit is $22,998.
• The asset limit goes up to $193,942 for households who need major or full disability modifications. 

For more information on social housing income eligibility please visit: Social housing eligibility | Housing.vic.gov.au

In general, to be considered for this property applicants must:

• Have an approved VHR allocation.
• Currently live in Victoria and meet the DFFH income and asset limits.
• Not own or part own a house, unit or flat (including land).
• Have Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.
• Have a desire to live in a Co-operative/Community based housing.
• Have a desire and ability to live in a medium density property.

 APPLICATIONS

1 BEDROOM ARPARTMENTS – Allocations full.  Application Round 1 – closed for 1 bedroom apartments.

2 BEDROOM ARPARTMENTS – allocations are limited.

Application for 2 bedroom apartments can be obtained by phoning UHC office on 9689 8157.

Applicant must read the Applications carefully and supply all information and return to UHC Office located at:  1A Ballarat Street, Yarraville 3013

Or by post to:

United Housing Co-operative, PO Box 252, Yarraville 3013

Or by email to Fiona Chan: fiona.chan@unitedhousing.org.au

TENANT MEMBER REQUIREMENTS OF THE VILLAGE

• Meet tenancy responsibilities, pay rent and look after property.
• Attend Village Residents meetings and participate in the election for the Committee.
• Adhere to the Village Model Rules.
• Contribute to the Village community and its well-being and be respectful of other tenant members.
• Read Village communications and respond to UHC staff communications promptly.
• Meet UHC minimum member participation requirements

 INFORMATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS

• Applicant will be invited to attend an Information and Training Session to learn more about Co-operatives and the proposed operation of the Village.
• Attendance at one Information & Training Session is compulsory for people who wish to be considered for the Village.
• Session is to be held at United Housing Co-operative office.
• Invitation to the training sessions will be sent to successful applicants.

For further information please contact our office on 03 9689 8157.

Updated 27 May 2025