Our founding members were strongly committed to the co-operative ethos, and chose this model of democratic social ownership of housing over pursuing individual home ownership.
Funding for EFHC was approved in 1987, and the first property was purchased in late 1988, when the decision was finally made to spot purchase existing houses rather than design and build for-purpose dwellings. By June 1990, fourteen adults and nine children were housed in four properties.
We currently have nine households across six properties in Petersham, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Concord West, with two more houses purchased in additional funding submissions. EFHC has remained a relatively small co-operative with a low turnover of tenancies.
Women’s economic and social independence has been paramount, and only women can enjoy membership rights. The women in the co-op have mostly been single, though some have had partners, including men living in EFHC as part of a family unit.
Through the simple but powerful skills learnt in managing the business of co-operative housing, and by performing roles with increasing responsibility, EFHC members have gained the confidence and capacity to take charge of their lives.
The co-op has given them the freedom to independently pursue the dream of following creative careers, undertaking further study or embarking on new life directions, while raising their children in a stable home environment.
Tara Morelos - Chairperson
Testimonials of members
"Being a member of the co-op gives me security and peace of mind that I have secure and affordable housing, as well as the ability to be part of, and contribute to a community". - Linda
"As a single parent with two small children and with the practical and emotional support of my co-op members, I completed a University degree and continued to become the director of a prominent national arts organisation". - Tara
"Moving into the co-op changed our life for the better. The security, affordability of the housing and supportive anvironment within the co-op, gave me the opportunity to raise my son, study and transition into fulfilling work." - Meera
"I was at rock bottom when the opportunity came to join the co-op. Being a member tenant kick started me from a low point and I have never looked back". - Gail
"I became a member in 1995. Even in those days, rents were high, especially since I was a stay at home mum. I have never had any regrets the co-op definitely proved to be a sustainable living solution for me and my son". - Shiri
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Maintain secure housing for members within our target group
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Provide for the changing needs of our members
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Strive for stability and seek out opportunities for expansion
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Operate through team work and consensus decision making
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A commitment to continuous improvement of skills and knowledge
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A belief in the co-operative model
ABOUT US
Extended Family Housing Co-op (EFHC) was formed in 1985 in response to the Local Government and Community Housing Program initiative to encourage viable alternatives to public housing.
For some years prior we’d been involved in a loose-knit community sharing, among other things, an interest in personal growth and development and healing. We’d all lived and worked in collectively managed situations and through consensus had agreed upon the philosophical direction we wanted for this housing project.
The core members of EFHC were feminists who worked in women’s services - health clinics, shelters and refuges for women escaping domestic violence. It was through this network that we first heard about the program.
In western societies, extended family living had been neglected in favour of the detached nuclear family. The family structure we’d held up as the cultural ideal for the past half-century had been a catastrophe for many, with major social problems arising from isolation and lack of support, especially when accompanied by economic hardship and personal crisis.
Responding to the specific housing needs of some of the most disadvantaged in the community – single women and children – EFHC sought to provide for the social and emotional needs of parents and children, by including a supportive network of single people amongst its membership.
OUR VISION & VALUES