Project Independence (PI) operates a home ownership solution for people with an intellectual disability. Created as a social business, PI offers a model of home ownership that is unique - not just in Australia, but internationally.

PI provides people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to progressively build home equity using a component of their Disability Support Pension. PI provides people with an intellectual disability a viable and achievable pathway from dependency on shared, social housing to independent home ownership within the broader community.

The need of people with an intellectual disability for safe and affordable housing cannot be overstated. This group is one of the most disadvantaged in terms of home ownership in Australia, with seemingly no real prospect of improvement. 

Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot (April 2023) found that only 66 of over 45,000 rental listings advertised on a selected weekend in March 2023 were affordable and suitable for a single person on the Disability Support Pension.  The survey found there were no affordable and suitable rental listings in the ACT and Queanbeyan.

How your donation will help

Project Independence currently operates three premises in the ACT – providing homes for 30 residents with an intellectual disability.

One our older properties at Latham requires work on the balconies to ensure they remain safe for the 10 residents with intellectual disabilities that live there. The cost of repairing the 6 balconies exceeds $40,000.

Money raised from the Canberra Day appeal will assist with the cost of the repairs to the balconies at Project Independence Latham, ensuring the longevity and safety of the balconies. These repairs will enable the 10 residents with intellectual disabilities living at Latham to continue their independent living journey.