St Kilda Tenants Face Eviction as HousingFirst Sells Units

0:00Dozens of tenants in St. Kilda's social housing got hit with a shock when their provider, Housing First, announced plans to sell off 25. Apartments at the Incher-Mino Wases on Grease Street. These units were donated by Port Phillip Council over two decades ago as affordable homes for locals. Now, rising costs like maintenance and council rates are outpacing the low rents tied to 30% of tenants' pensions, pushing the nonprofit to, offload them to the private market. Back in 2005, the council set up a housing trust and handed over properties worth $36 million, giving Housing First full. Control to sell without needing approval. They've already moved three units and aimed to sell the rest, saying any other community provider would face the same money crunch. Residents, many in their 70s and 80s, are reeling from the news with some breaking out and sweats from anxiety and facing ultimatums to relocate or risk at the streets. Long timers like folks who've called St. Kilda home for decades feel betrayed by promises

1:03they'd stay put to the end and the offered spots are, either scarce in the area or tiny units far out in Brighton East. Housing First insists they're not rushing anyone, giving to August to sort options across agencies and the housing register with all sale money. Going back into local community homes. Former mayor Dick Gross calls it a betrayal of the original deal meant to shield locals from gentrification, while counselors on the board couldn't. Spilled details early due to legal rules. State officials through Holmes Victoria are pitching in to help find new places but won't commit to buying the properties despite residents please for. That or cost aid, as tensions build, this spotlight on community housing strains highlights the tough balance between affordability and upkeep in a changing city. Master of day from Sydney News today, powered by AI.