The 'Maleny Model'
​​Our innovative project The Small House Project can be replicated by other regional towns seeking to tackle homelessness, by fundraising to build community-owned homes and utilising secondary dwelling legislation, on leased land, in Queensland. 
Donate or Lease Land
​Land for community and social housing is needed. CHASM Housing is working with local landholders and Sunshine Coast Regional Council to assist in securing suitable land options, and enable the provision of low-cost housing. We are seeking beneficiaries, trustees, donations of land, or landholders interested in land leases.

We are seeking local landholders who want to be part of The Small House Project.

Project Goals
  • Increase the supply of affordable, low-cost housing
  • Educate the community about the need for and benefit of small, low cost housing
  • Encourage local landowners to invest in secondary dwellings on their land for low-cost housing
  • Seek available land for donation, on government tenure, or land suitable for long-term lease (minimum 3 years)
  • Support social sustainability and community diversity through the provision of affordable housing
  • Provide a replicable community housing model underpinned by social justice principles​
CHASM Housing tenants
Once CHASM Housing has built each home, we will advertise for applicants. Tenants will be selected according to an agreed selection criteria, and will prioritise:
  • People in the local community who are in short, medium or long term housing need
  • Local people who are priced out of the rental market and unable to save a house deposit 
  • Families at risk of being forced to relocate away from the area due to housing issues
  • Families who are at risk of being separated due to housing issues
  • Local people who meet the Queensland Public Housing Income Eligibility Criteria
  • Local people in the 65+ age group, long-term ill or disabled, and people looking after children (particularly single parents)

Suppliers of small and relocatable homes are encouraged to talk to us about becoming a sponsor or advertising with us. 

Maleny group CHASM Housing, taking housing affordability into their own hands.

The Small House Project aims to improve community awareness about the need and benefits of small and affordable housing, while normalising the idea of living in smaller dwellings through the provision of small homes for low rent. 
How will it work?
photo: J. Gary Tarleto
Low cost rentals on leased land: Between $100–150 pw (part-exchange possible).

Accrued rents: maintain properties, pays for leases, insurances and property management fees, while any surplus builds a Community Fund for more homes.
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​Exit strategy: donate or sell the relocatable dwellings, to the community & fund affordable housing projects.
Building

Community Pilot Project: building a small home
Phase one of the project will produce the FIRST of TEN small dwellings, to be owned by the community as a community asset, under the governance of CHASM Housing.
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CHASM Housing will fundraise, purchase and/or construct the first low-rent relocatable home located at the Maple Street Co-op's Community Garden. 
Estimated Target: $50k
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​Community-run initiative: 10 x small & affordable homes
Phase two will include a feasibility study based on the findings of the Pilot project, ahead of its intention to deliver the rest of the project.
  • CHASM Housing will fundraise, purchase and/or construct up to TEN small homes to be distributed throughout the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on available land.
  • Private land holders interested in hosting a secondary dwelling on behalf of the community (on minimum leases of three years) are invited to participate. All agreements will meet with current council regulations.
  • CHASM Housing will maintain community ownership and will provide the community with a property asset of up to ten small dwellings.
  • It is not envisaged that the dwellings will be sold, except to refresh stocks.
  • If the project must to be brought to a close due to unforseen events, then all funds from subsequent asset sales will be donated to the community for homelessness projects. 
Fundraising to build Phase One

Chasm Housing's fundraising team have launched their Sponsorship initiative and seeking local inkind support to help deliver the final building.

How can you help?