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United for Care, a leading organisation in innovative disability housing, and NDIS provider dedicated to combatting homelessness, tackling mental health challenges and reducing hospital re-admissions celebrated its Open Day at Albert St Erskineville on Wednesday 13thof September 2023.
The Open day brought many guests and industry leaders together, including government officials from City of Sydney and Inner West Council, United for Care team members, support workers and partners and businesses in the local community such as One Door Mental Health and Care Live Smile.
Many attendees came to celebrate hope with the launch of United for Care’s newest Vertical Village. With 18 brand new studio apartments waiting to be occupied, United for Care are excited at the prospect of impacting individuals living with disability by providing access to greater freedom and normalcy via independent living at its finest through their Vertical Village model.
The Vertical Village model by United for Care allows every participant access to their own apartment inclusive of their own bathroom, kitchen, living space, bedroom, shower and television. There is no need to share any amenities, but rather, participants can have their own independent space to call home. The apartments are self-contained without sharing compared to the standard group home setting.
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The Chief Operating Officer of United for Care, Karim Amin expressed his gratitude and excitement for the event. “Today’s Open Day at Albert St Erskineville was a great success. I want to thank all who attended and those supporting our cause. We are proud to announce Albert as our ninth site and we are grateful for how we are making a difference in the lives of many in our community.”
Mr. Amin said the Open Day was an opportunity to showcase the innovative approach that United for Care takes to address such complex needs and challenges.
“We uniquely chose this site because it is in close proximity to local shops and cafes, public transport, Newtown, Woolworths Metro, Royal Prince Alfred hospital and more. We believe every person with disability should live a life of full potential. Whether it be physical, mental, psychosocial or intellectual, we hope that our services will provide the best and tailored care possible for our participants.”
Accompanied on the day was Councillor Yvonne Weldon and Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore.
Deputy Mayor Sylvie Ellsmore said, “Inclusive and affordable homes for people with a disability are vital –but sadly all too rare. Last year, less than 1% of new housing built in the City of Sydney was affordable, and even less was built which is accessible for people with a disability.
“It is fitting that United for Care’s newest Vertical Village looks over ‘Green Bans Park’ in Erskineville - a local park named in recognition of the struggle by the community and workers, to protect housing and make green and public spaces available to everyone.
“A warm welcome to the new residents who have decided to make Erskineville your new home! And thank you to United for Care and the many organisations working together to make the new Vertical Village a reality.”
Government officials had the privilege of cutting the ribbon with Faith, our very first participant who currently occupies our Vertical Village.
Faith in her own words said “I have now lived in Erskineville for six weeks and I absolutely love it. I love having my own space to call home that I can chill and feel safe in. I also love having the super cool staff here. They are all so caring and are all proper legends. United for Care’s Erskineville site very quickly felt like home to me."
For media enquiries, contact our Communications Lead at Isabel.pamatmat@unitedforcare.com.au
