Coffs' housing proving popular

Caboolture and Deception Bay named in the top 20 affordable areas in Australia.

Vicki Wood

WHEN an advertisement for four properties gets 808 online views, 32 emails and 35 phone calls, there is no denying the need for public housing in Coffs Harbour.

Yes the waiting lists are long but locally Community Housing Limited (CHL) is doing its best to help.

With the recent opening of a new, centrally located office in Coffs Harbour and the successful transfer of 163 tenanted public housing properties to their portfolio, the company now manages 375 properties from Grafton to Armidale.

"Coffs Harbour is a major hub for CHL in NSW with around 30% of our total NSW stock," managing director Steve Bevington said.

"The demand is increasing and we are constantly looking at adding properties.

"It is likely we will have another 16 ready to go on our books by the end of June."

Mr Bevington said since opening its doors in the area in the mid-1990s, staff numbers had grown from two to five full-time staff with two more part-timers. This includes mobile teams who service clients in outlying areas.

As well as helping people find accommodation, CHL also auspices the Coffs Harbour Accommodation Brokerage and Housing Service.

This service offers short-term crisis accommodation, free showers, advocacy and referrals.

It also operates the Rough Sleeper Project, aimed at breaking the homeless cycle for those who are most vulnerable.

Tenants can also be linked to other support services such as mental health or disability.

The new office is located at 1/19 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour.