SOHO Built, part of Mirrastone, Victoria’s number one home builder, has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Wayss and housing provider iHi to deliver new crisis and transitional accommodation for women and children experiencing family violence in Melbourne’s South-East.
The project was officially opened this week in Narre Warren by Hon Julian Hill MP, Federal Member for Bruce, with attendees including Belinda Wilson MP, Member for Narre Warren North; Gary Maas MP, Member for Narre Warren South; and Michael Galea MP, Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, alongside Nathan Jenkinson, Managing Director and CEO of Mirrastone; Luke Squire, General Manager of SOHO Built; Sandy Forbes, Chair of Wayss; and representatives from project partners.
The development provides safe, secure housing for up to four households at a time, offering accommodation for up to 12 months while residents are supported in transitioning to longer-term housing, providing immediate stability at a critical point in their lives.
The launch comes at a time of increasing pressure on Australia’s housing and homelessness system. According to the 2026 Report on Government Services, more than 56,000 people seeking crisis or longer-term accommodation were unable to access support due to a shortage of available housing, while over 254,000 households remain on social housing waitlists nationally. Recent ABS data also shows 97,800 family and domestic violence offenders were recorded by police in 2024–25, an 8 per cent increase year-on-year, highlighting the growing need for safe and accessible housing solutions.
Wayss Chair, Sandy Forbes, said projects like this play a critical role in supporting vulnerable families at a time of urgent need.
“Access to safe, stable accommodation is a crucial first step for families rebuilding their lives after experiencing family violence. This type of housing provides not only immediate safety, but also the foundation for longer-term recovery and stability,” said Sandy.
There is also a range of financial assistance available through state and federal programs, including support of up to $5,000 for individuals leaving violent situations, helping ease the transition into safer, more stable housing.
The Narre Warren project marks the first of two developments currently underway between SOHO Built and Wayss, with a second project in Cranbourne due for completion later mid-year.
Mirrastone CEO Nathan Jenkinson said the project demonstrates how collaboration between industry and community organisations can deliver meaningful housing outcomes.
“This is a practical example of what can be achieved when the right partners come together with a shared objective. It’s about delivering housing that responds directly to community need, while also creating a model that can be scaled and replicated in other locations,” said Nathan.
A future resident moving into the home this week said access to safe housing would provide a much-needed sense of stability.
“Having a safe place for myself and my children means everything. It gives us the chance to feel secure again and start rebuilding our lives with some stability, knowing we have a place to call home, even if it’s just for now,” they said.
Delivered in partnership with Wayss and iHi, the SOHO Built project reflects a collective approach to addressing housing challenges, combining development capability, support services and operational expertise.
The homes have been designed with a focus on safety, privacy and liveability, ensuring residents are supported in a secure and dignified environment during a critical transition period. The accommodation is also designed to be child and pet-friendly, recognising the importance of creating a stable and welcoming environment for families as they begin to recover and move forward.
With demand for crisis and transitional housing continuing to grow, projects like this highlight the importance of partnership-led solutions that can be delivered efficiently and at scale.
For more information on SOHO Built, please visit https://sohobuilt.com.au/.
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