Exploring perspectives on healthy housing among low-income prospective residents of a future co-housing “Microvillage” in Geelong, Australia

ABSTRACT

Housing unaffordability coupled with a decrease in social housing availability, have contributed to a greater proportion of Australians, including older people and those on low incomes, privately renting. While co-housing has been proposed as a solution to these issues, little is known about the potential ability of co-housing to offer healthy housing. This paper presents a qualitative research study of low-income potential residents’ perspectives on a “Microvillage” in Geelong, a large regional city outside of Melbourne. We conducted two focus groups with potential residents, as well as a series of semi-structured interviews with a sample of older women interested in the Microvillage. Data was analyzed thematically, with the Housing and Health Framework used to guide interpretation. Findings revealed potential residents felt a co-housing community like the proposed Microvillage supported health by offering residents a secure and affordable “home”; a “dwelling” that met diverse needs; a supportive “community” with shared values and interests; and access to amenities in the “immediate environment.” Findings provide further evidence toward the benefits of co-housing, particularly for low-income residents with challenging housing histories, and supports its consideration as a potential solution to Australia’s increasing housing issues.

KEYWORDS:

• co-housing
• health
• qualitative
• Australia

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the contributions made by participants of the focus groups and interviews. We also wish to acknowledge the membership of the Bellarine Tiny Homes Group for entrusting the Deakin HOME research group with the project, and the Microvillage taskforce for their assistance with recruitment.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no financial interest or benefit has arisen from the direct applications of this research.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Geelong Community Foundation, Geelong, Australia.

Notes on contributors

Elyse Warner

Elyse Warner is a Lecturer in human development and family health and well-being. She is a member of the Deakin Research Hub HOME, and her research interests include the relationship between families and health across the lifespan, with a particular focus on the influence of housing and community.

L. Chambers

L. Chambers recently completed her Honours degree within the field of public health and health promotion. She is passionate about exploring the lived experiences of older Australians, women and those with limited informal support networks. She is also interested in improving health and wellbeing through sustainable housing practices and community planning.

F. J. Andrews

F. J. Andrews is a Senior Lecturer and co-leader of the Deakin Research Hub HOME. She has research interests in the relationship between neighborhoods, health and families, with a particular focus on parents of preschool-aged children. She lectures in healthy cities, and family health and well-being.