Australia’s first-ever housing co-op dedicated to trans women has received “life-saving” government funding.

All Nations Housing Co-Operative was launched 14 years ago, with the view to providing affordable and safe housing for women in the trans community. 

Last year, the city of Sydney sold seven discounted terrace homes in Darlinghurst, known to locals as Sydney’s LGBTQ+ hub, to community housing provider Common Equity New South Wales. The provider partnered with the trans-owned co-op to make inner-city properties available for women in the community.

New South Wales government division, Homes NSW, has since allocated AUD 2.4m (£1.2m) to go towards the refurbishment of the properties, while the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Funds program has awarded the group an additional AUD 1.8m (£875,000). 

All Nations Housing Co-Operative co-founder Chantell Martin said that the development is “a huge milestone” for the group and will be “life-saving” for the community. 

“Achieving secure, affordable housing is life-saving for our community. Our story shows that community-led housing, grounded in lived experience and built on strong partnerships, can break new ground,” Martin said.

Common Equity NSW CEO Nick Sabel added: “We are so gratified that Government, at all levels, heard us and understood the need for this group of trans people.

“We have been working with All Nations Co-operative for over 10 years and can finally partner with them and get them housed. The Co-operative Housing model brings a range of benefits that extend beyond regular social housing: better health and wellbeing outcomes and reduced isolation, to name a few.”

According to the University of Melbourne, one in five trans young people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lifetime. 

If this story has affected you, contact Link 2 Home on 1800 152 152 24 hours a day, seven days per week for information, assessments and referrals to homelessness support and accommodation in NSW. 

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