New Toowoomba accommodation will help overcome area’s disability housing shortage

MS Queensland is proud to announce a new accommodation build of accessible apartments in Toowoomba, with the first ground-breaking taking place on Thursday, August 27^th. With construction commencing this week, and due to finish in mid-2021, the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartments will help overcome the current disability housing crisis in Toowoomba.

Located in Hume Street in South Toowoomba, the building will feature 12 transformative and customisable apartments that include assistive technology to meet individual needs and empower residents to lead more independent lives. Warm, inviting, and a place to call home – the units will include a second guest bedroom and bathroom, as well as a community area for residents to share with guests and other community members.

Providing independent and supportive living

As part of MS Queensland’s mission and Best Life Project, the organisation will be taking on the role of both developer and Supported Independent Living (SIL) service provider. MS Queensland Chief Executive Officer, David Curd, said the Toowoomba apartments are a step towards maximising the independence and quality of life for people living with high support needs, as well as providing a tailored supported accommodation service.

In addition to building these purpose-built apartments, MS Queensland will provide the Supported Independent Living services including 24-hour care as part of our commitment to providing services to the disability community, enabling the residents to live independently

Mr Curd said.

“The apartments offer a new lifestyle that residents may never have experienced. Each unit is professionally designed to cater for each individual resident’s changing needs, while being homely and modern, and having direct access to services in the community.”

Joanna’s experience

Joanna Leane, Toowoomba and District MS Support Group member and advocate, said the apartments will be life-changing for 12 residents seeking suitable housing.

Mrs Leane was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica, a neurological disease in 2001, and is encouraging those in the Toowoomba community who require high support needs to submit their expressions of interest to move into the apartments.

As a person with a lived experience, I understand the challenges of not having access to appropriate housing or care. There is a dire need for Supported Disability Accommodation like Hume Street in our community and projects like this will make such a positive impact for those who can call it home and more easily become a part of the community,

Mrs Leane said.

MS Queensland has already changed the lives of many people through service coordination, and I think this project, along with the funding from donors, will continue to make significant changes in the lives of those living with disabilities in our community.

Access our accommodation services

MS Queensland intends to continue opening additional housing across Queensland to accommodate people living with MS, other neurological conditions and high support needs, who are eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Submit an expression of interest for our Toowoomba accommodation here or contact MS Queensland on 1800 413 717 for any enquires.