32 | Supporting independent living TCHT purchased the initial site a few years ago and later acquired an adjacent lot. T T from page 30 Tauranga Community Housing Trust: Mike Greer Commercial REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “Half the people on the Public Housing Register need a one-bedroom home, which are in particularly short supply in Tauranga,” Jacqui says. “Some of our prospective residents are currently living in cars, substandard accommodation, or cannot be discharged from hospital because they have nowhere safe to go. What they need is dignity, security, and long-term housing that will not be sold out from under them.” The site, strategically located close to Tauranga Hospital, other health practitioners, and supermarkets, allows residents easy access to essential services while maintaining a low impact on the surrounding community. “The location is ideal,” Jacqui says. “It’s walkable to services and amenities, which is especially important for older residents, or those with mobility issues. Our goal is to provide homes where people can truly live in place, not just exist.” The development is being designed with the future in mind. LifeMark certification ensures the apartments meet high standards for accessibility and sustainability, with features that support independent living and safety. Jacqui says these design considerations make a tangible difference to residents’ day-to-day lives. “This isn’t just a basic house,” she says. “A standard build doesn’t always deliver on accessibility or long-term usability. Our apartments are designed to be truly liveable, giving people the ability to age in place safely and comfortably.” TCHT purchased the initial site a few years ago and later acquired an adjacent lot, allowing the trust to scale the development and deliver greater impact. The joint venture made it financially and practically feasible to develop all 20 apartments, rather than a smaller, less technically advanced project. “This is our first project with the Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund, and it’s had a really positive start,” Jacqui says. “We hope it will lead to more collaborations in the future to meet housing needs across the Bay.” Founded in 2003, TCHT is a registered Community Housing Provider with a mission to provide quality, appropriate, and affordable housing to individuals and families on low or fixed incomes, particularly older people and those with disabilities. The trust’s strategic direction focuses on growing a sustainable housing portfolio, advancing national and regional homelessness strategies, and maintaining strong governance and operational excellence. The 20-apartment development is scheduled for completion in November. Jacqui emphasises that without support from the Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund, the project would not be possible. “This development demonstrates what can be achieved when social purpose meets practical, sustainable delivery,” she says. “Our residents will have secure homes they can rely on, and the project lays the foundation for future community housing solutions in Tauranga.” • R E S I D E N T I A L & COMME RC I A L • P LUMB I NG , DRA I NAG E & GA S F I T T I NG • MA I N T E NANC E & EME RG E NCY CA L L OUT S Proudly working alongside Tauranga Community Housing Trust Proudly supporting Mike Greer Homes Contact us: 027 3754636 | Email us: ollie@entireelectrical.co.nz Branches in the following locations... www.bopasphalt.co.nz | 07 578 1277 Quality | efficiency | safety of surfacing in the Bay
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