Mel Barends’ Post

Housing and construction play a very important role in the development of national economies. The Housing and Construction sector serves as a mechanism for urban planning, community development, and capital accumulation. Impact investments in affordable housing can not only stimulate economic growth but have a pronounced social impact by making affordable housing accessible to more people. It is important that governments prioritize reducing homelessness through policies that facilitate investment in low-cost housing projects. Providing affordable housing to moderate and low-income families is a national responsibility and calls for concerted action by the public and private sectors. The number of people living in urban areas is projected to increase to 6.7 billion by 2050, and 90 % of this growth will be in Africa and Asia. 1.2 billion people across the globe do not have access to decent housing. Investment in low-cost accommodation is essential to ensure the well-being of people, communities and ultimately, the global economy.  #impactinvestment #housing #sustainabledevelopment #esg

As urbanization accelerates across Africa, the demand for affordable and sustainable housing continues to rise. The image of a modern affordable housing complex under construction reflects the growing need to address the housing crisis while creating livable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly urban spaces. Affordable housing projects are essential in providing safe and secure homes for low- and middle-income families, helping to reduce informal settlements and homelessness. These projects prioritize not only affordability but also sustainability. In this particular complex, the use of energy-efficient materials and features such as solar panels demonstrate how environmentally friendly housing can be integrated into urban development. The benefits of such projects are far-reaching. Affordable housing improves the quality of life for residents by providing access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. Additionally, green spaces and communal areas, like the ones visible in the image, promote social inclusion and provide families with spaces to gather, play, and interact. This type of housing also creates economic opportunities, as construction projects bring jobs to local workers and support surrounding businesses. **Strategic communication** plays a crucial role in the success of affordable housing projects. By raising awareness about the availability of affordable housing, as well as the benefits of sustainable living, communication efforts can connect potential residents to these opportunities. Furthermore, public engagement through community meetings and digital platforms ensures that the voices of local communities are heard, contributing to better housing designs and community cohesion. Urban planners, governments, and private sector players must work together to expand these projects, ensuring that affordable housing becomes the cornerstone of sustainable urban growth in Africa. With effective communication strategies and citizen involvement, affordable housing projects can lead to more equitable and sustainable cities, where everyone has access to a safe and healthy living environment. AffordableHousingAfrica #SustainableCitiesAfrica #UrbanDevelopmentAfrica #AfricaRising #EcoFriendlyAfrica #GreenCitiesAfrica #AfricanInnovation #AfricaSustainability #HousingForAllAfrica #SmartCitiesAfrica #InclusiveGrowthAfrica

Addressing the housing crisis in New South Wales and Australia goes beyond construction. Strategic planning and infrastructure investment, alongside building houses, are vital for improving community wellbeing and ensuring long-term community needs are met. In their latest article, Jo Noesgaard, Patrick Fensham, and Amanda Sturgeon discuss recent reforms in New South Wales and propose a comprehensive five-pillar approach to effective city-scale planning. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gYYRqn-X

#industryfocus Unlocking the Benefits of Housing Data in Africa Access to reliable housing data is crucial for addressing Africa's housing challenges. With accurate information, governments and developers can identify gaps, plan effectively, and design sustainable solutions for affordable housing. Housing data also enhances transparency in land ownership, reducing the risks of fraud and property disputes. For investors, robust housing data offers critical insights into market trends, enabling smarter decision-making. For citizens, it means access to better housing options that meet real needs. By leveraging housing data, Africa can reshape its housing landscape, drive economic growth, and elevate living standards across the continent. Are you ready to be part of Africa’s housing transformation? Connect with us today to learn how housing data can fuel impactful development. #HousingDataAfrica #SustainableDevelopment #BetterLiving

For a project to succeed, engaging effectively with local communities is crucial. Local authorities must consider the diverse perspectives of stakeholders, including local enterprises and community members. Positive interactions significantly enhance the likelihood of success. Our expertise lies in facilitating a mutual understanding among all involved parties about the advantages of new affordable housing projects, such as job creation and the potential to attract further investments. We adopt a collaborative and transparent strategy, proactively identifying and addressing potential challenges before they become problematic. #CommunityEngagement #AffordableHousing #LocalDevelopment

At House-Matic, we don’t just see ourselves as construction professionals: we are also committed to supporting social initiatives and making a difference in local communities. So how do we do this? 🏡 Affordable housing: House-Matic’s modular construction can be used to build affordable housing units quickly and efficiently, providing affordable housing for low-income families and reducing homelessness. Additionally, our modular construction can be used to build temporary housing for disaster relief efforts, which can help communities recover more quickly from natural disasters. 🌱 Community benefits: House-Matic’s modular solutions are designed with adaptability and sustainability in mind. It's all about empowering communities to rebuild and grow stronger. By partnering with local organisations, we ensure that our solutions align with the unique needs of each community. Together, we're fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. 🏗️ Local development: The heart of our mission lies in supporting local development initiatives. Whether it's creating temporary housing, educational spaces, healthcare facilities or community centres, House-Matic is committed to reducing waste and maximising positive impact. We're proud to contribute to the long-term growth of the communities we serve. (Check out our community projects, including a hospital in Kenya and a university in Colombia) here (https://lnkd.in/dnEvE-FH). 👷 Job creation: Another way that House-Matic contributes to social initiatives is by creating jobs in local communities. Our modular construction requires skilled labour, and many of these jobs can be done by workers who live in the local community. This boosts the local economy and provides job opportunities for people who may have difficulty finding work. By providing affordable housing, helping communities recover from natural disasters, reducing waste and carbon emissions, providing essential infrastructure and creating jobs in local communities, House-Matic is committed to making a positive impact on the world. #SocialCommitment #CommunityImpact #SocialInitiatives #ABetterFuture

‘Link social housing supply to net-zero goals. All social housing to be designed to adopt RIBA 2030 targets (operational energy/embodied Carbon/water/health & wellbeing). Ensure new housing is planned around low carbon public transport infrastructure.’https://lnkd.in/euMrwQdf

Communities across the country need more culturally appropriate housing, yet too many multi-family housing projects suffer from inefficient collaborations, delays, workforce shortages and supply chain challenges. Big Block has learned from working with Indigenous organizations that building culturally appropriate housing at scale requires a different approach: https://buff.ly/3yfuhoo #affordablehousing #housingcrisis #betterwaytobuild #indigenousdesign #RHI

As demand continues to outstrip supply, many are facing challenges in finding affordable and suitable housing. It's imperative for government and industry leaders to come together to explore sustainable solutions and ensure access to safe and affordable housing for all Queenslanders. #HousingCrisis #QueenslandAustralia #AffordableHousing"

We recently surveyed 88 senior industry leaders to get a pulse on the current state of social and affordable housing in Australia. In our survey, industry identified the key opportunities for reform to support the delivery of housing in the sector.   Real Estate partner, Jane Hodder, said: "There is a strong desire from respondents for a "truly national system". The benefits of a national scheme would help to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing through consistent cross-border regulation including registration processes and eligibility. Reducing the burden on community housing providers, expediting planning and approval processes, and attracting private investment were also top of mind."   To view the full survey findings, read our latest report: 'A Pulse on Social & Affordable Housing in Australia 2024’: https://lnkd.in/gMaP4Wmg #socialhousing #affordablehousing #infrastructure