Jim Fuller Community House in Mooroolbark has been awarded a 20-year lease by Yarra Ranges Council
Since its establishment in the late 1980s, the Jim Fuller House has been operating as a registered low-cost rooming house for older adults experiencing homelessness and was funded by contributions from the Office of Housing, Yarra Ranges Council, and Mooroolbark Lions Club.
In May, the previous nine-year lease agreement expired, and the Jim Fuller House committee worked with Council to seek a 20-year renewal.
Yarra Ranges Council Walling Ward Councillor, Len Cox said Council was proud to support the Jim Fuller House, ensuring the continuation of the vital affordable housing service for adults facing homelessness.
“To the tenants this house is their home and presently, it warmly accommodates five long-term residents.”
“The peppercorn lease, set at $1 per year, will enable Jim Fuller House to continue its unwavering service without interruption, providing much-needed stability and security of tenancy for its residents.”
“It is and continues to be an invaluable pillar of our community, providing safe and affordable housing for older adults in need, and Council is proud to be able to support them in continuing Jim Fuller’s legacy.”
Jim Fuller House Committee member, Kate Coleman said the twenty-year lease will ensure that the Jim Fuller House can continue to provide safe and secure long-term accommodation for low-income adults facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
“It’s been obvious to us that the house is filling a very clear and crucial need in the community and that need is still there today and has even grown more relevant so to have this lease means we can safeguard Jim Fuller’s dream and legacy.”
“Many of our tenants have been here long-term and its life changing for them, because they have a home and a family in the other residents, and they all look out for each other.”
The new lease agreement will be due to expire in July 2043.
