Matrix has completed a new housing project.
The building was completed at the end of May 2011. The apartments have been leased to three older, financially disadvantaged lesbians eligible for social housing. The intention was to provide universally accessible, long term, secure housing for those in most need. Rent is pegged at 25% of total household income – usually – the full pension, plus full rent assistance. Matrix can provide social support to the tenant should this be required and aged care services implemented as needed, but generally the applicants should be capable of independent living. WPI continues to manage the properties.
The Apartments
- purpose built for universal access
- two bedrooms each
- in a 5-storey block of about 40 with lifts and a gym
- north-facing and near each other on the 4th and 5th floors
- have solar hot water
- have A/C, heating
- have stainless steel appliances, gas cooking
- have a secure, basement car-park with caged storage
To honour Heather Chapple whose generous bequest provided the seeding money for these apartments, we refer to them as Heather’s Flats and we have named them after birds she loved. The two on the top floor are called after birds that like roosting in the cliff tops – Peregrine and Kestrel. The one on the lower level is named after her favourite bird, the little Puffin.
Consider Matrix in Your Will
Just as Heather has done, you too could make a difference to some of your lesbian sisters who are elderly, perhaps living with a disability and are in a poor financial position. Lesbians who aren’t homeowners, find it almost impossible to afford market rent on the aged or disability pension.
Please remember Matrix and her work in providing affordable, secure housing when you make your will. You can stipulate exactly how you’d like the money spent. For bequests, please identify Matrix as: Matrix Guild of Victoria Incorporated; ABN: 13 869 266 126; ACN: A00 260 57B.
If lesbians don’t bequest and donate money to Matrix’s housing projects, who will?