The first sods were turned today, Friday 6 August, at the third location in Canberra offering a unique opportunity for people with intellectual disability to own their own home using just their disability support pension.  Five sods were turned by the key partners in the project, including Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Yvette Berry MLA, founder and Chair of Project Independence, Glenn Keys AO, Project Manager of Icon Construction, Nat Murray, CEO of the Snow Foundation, Georgina Byron and Director of Impact Investing at Social Ventures Australia, Alex Oppes.

To date Project Independence has successfully operated 20 homes across two locations in Canberra, one in Harrison and the other in Latham. This latest development in Phillip will provide access to homeownership for another 10 people, although with a current waitlist of 47 there is still much work needed in meeting the high demand for this type of accommodation.

“This new project would not have been possible without the support of our key partners, their contribution speaks to just how committed the Canberra community is to addressing housing issues for some of our most disadvantaged groups when it comes to the basic right of owning your own home.” said Mr Keys.