Project Independence

Client: Project Independence
Location: Australian Capital Territory
Project: Project Independence Phillip Project
Completion Date: August 2023
Value: $4 million

The Project Independence Phillip Project is a community housing project comprising a 10-unit social housing development, with additional accommodation for a live-in resident coordinator. Each unit includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, living space and courtyard. The spaces are fresh and welcoming, creating plenty of social interaction blended with privacy for residents. Project Independence is an innovative social housing development for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), offering a unique model of home ownership both in Australia and internationally. It enables individuals to acquire property equity using their Federal Government Disability Support Pension (DSP) while developing life skills and supported decision-making abilities for independent living. This initiative serves as a stepping-stone towards full independence and homeownership beyond social housing. Project Independence is a registered Community Housing Provider and an NDIS provider. Icon completed construction in 2023, including a circa $1M investment to the project consisting of resources to support and manage construction with other supporting suppliers and trades. The collaborative effort involving government, business, philanthropy and community underscores the broader commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. This collaboration highlights the significance of community engagement in ensuring the success of projects that champion the rights and aspirations of individuals with disabilities.