The land was originally gifted to the Foundation in 1989 by the late Miss Jean Hansen, philanthropist and former resident of Kerridge rest home at Selwyn Village (Point Chevalier), to be used as “sheltered housing for the elderly”. The Foundation has since updated the traditional concept to design a free-standing building of ten single suites and shared communal facilities.

 

“It is intended that future residents will be single older people who are beginning to experience isolation in their lives and who are interested in joining a new family of like-minded people living together in a supportive and values-based environment,” says Revd Duncan Macdonald, Chief Executive of The Selwyn Foundation.

 

“This initiative, which is an adaptation of the popular Abbeyfield* concept, complements our Selwyn Centres’ programme, which provides twenty-five parish-based, drop-in centres for people over 65 who live alone and may be in need of friendship, help and support,” Revd Macdonald said.

 

The Minister has approved the funding, because Auckland has a strong need for appropriate housing for older members of its population and The Selwyn Foundation has recognised expertise in this area.

 

“While The Selwyn Foundation is today best known for its work in residential aged care and retirement villages, our heritage and origin in 1952 were in the affordable aged housing sector,” says the Foundation’s general manager of independent living, Mike Hablous.

                                                                                                         

 

The contribution from the Housing Innovation Fund will now enable the development to be taken to the next stage, which will involve seeking the necessary planning consents from Auckland Council.

 

* Abbeyfield is a provider of local community-based, volunteer-managed, affordable, family-styled housing for lonely older people who seek independence, companionship and safety in New Zealand. www.abbeyfield.co.nz