CHIA Vic

Everyone deserves a safe and secure home

We need more affordable housing in Victoria.

By supporting the growth of not-for-profit community housing, you can help ensure Victorians priced out of the private rental market can afford a place to call home.

Today, over 24,000 low-income Victorian households benefit from community housing. But with low rental availability, rising living costs, and stagnant wages, more and more Victorians are being pushed out of safe, stable and affordable homes.

Community housing organisations build and manage affordable homes for people who can't afford another place to live. These not-for-profits offer long-term housing and connect residents to support services that can help with challenges like disability, family violence, and financial or mental health issues.

In a housing crisis, community housing is a safety net.

In March this year, nearly 50,000 households were waiting for social housing, with more than half in the priority access category, meaning they needed housing urgently. It’s estimated that by 2036, the need for social housing will more than triple.

More community housing is part of the solution.

Did you know?

77 of the 79 Local Government Areas (LGA) in Victoria already have community housing

Spread the word and start a conversation

Did you know?

For every $1 invested in social and affordable housing, communities see $2 in benefits.

That's a 2:1 return on investments.

Did you know?

Of the 12,845 private rentals available across Victoria in March 2024, only 2,778 were suitable for households living on the minimum wage.

Spread the word and start a conversation

Maree looking out at her back garden, holding a cup of tea.

I consider my community house my home. I know it's going to be mine for as long as I want it to be and for as long as I'm able to live here independently, looking after the garden and paying my bills. It means I can sleep well at night… I just wish everyone my age had access to similar, secure accommodation where you can feel like it’s your own home.

‍Maree, Community Housing Resident

How many households in your community don’t have access to appropriate housing?

On Census Night 2021, almost 150,000 low-income households in Victoria were either experiencing homelessness, living in severely overcrowded homes, or spending more than 30% of their income on rent. This is projected to increase by another 77,000 households by 2041. Community housing can help alleviate the pressures many Victorians feel, providing safe and secure homes to those with unmet housing needs.

Use the map below to learn why community housing is needed in your area.

Show your support

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.

About CHIA Vic

CHIA Vic is the peak body that represents the not-for-profit community housing sector in Victoria. CHIA Vic advocates for and supports the community housing sector to grow and thrive as part of a housing system where all Victorians have the dignity of an appropriate, secure and affordable home.

Our member organisations provide more than 24,000 homes to Victorians poorly served by, or excluded from, the private rental and ownership market.

CHIA Vic is committed to supporting the expansion of the sector through policy representation, training, and raising the profile of community housing as a solution to housing stress and homelessness.

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In the media

As the sector’s peak body, CHIA Vic is available for expert commentary on housing affordability and social housing issues. For media inquiries, reach out to our Communications team via email.

Reach out to us for comment