About Unison

Our vision

Communities that thrive.

Our mission

Collaborate to create vibrant, sustainable communities that meet the needs of renters, owners and people who are homeless by developing, managing and providing access to affordable housing.

Who we work with

People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

Unison is one of the largest providers of services for homeless people or those at risk of homelessness in Melbourne’s north and west. We connect people to safe and affordable short, medium or long-term housing combined with support to address any challenges that may have contributed to their fragile housing situation. In addition, we help people re-establish and maintain a secure home.

People on a low income looking for affordable rental

We provide social and affordable long-term rental housing in Victoria for people on a low income - employed or on Centrelink benefits. The properties range from rooming houses, apartments, units and houses. Our homes offer tenure security and cater to all household types, including singles, youth, seniors, couples and families.

Owners Corporations

Unison is a registered owners corporation management company that manages residential and commercial properties on behalf of owner-occupiers, private investors and the Government. The properties we manage are located in our mixed-tenure communities, blending owner-occupiers, investment properties and affordable housing. We are located within these communities to create a thriving, diverse community and a great place to live and invest.

Partners

Partnerships are critical to our work and help us achieve more than we could alone. We collaborate with many like-minded organisations across the Government, business and community sectors who respect our ethos and understand what we are about. One such partnership is the Unison Housing Research Lab with RMIT University. Our applied research partnership with RMIT University investigates urban housing and homelessness issues over a five-year research program.

Our Strategic Plan

Unison’s vision is Communities that thrive.

To help create that vision, Unison’s strategic plan focuses on five strategic directions. Click here to read the full strategic plan.

 

• Increase the supply of good quality housing

  We want our properties to be secure, well located, of high amenity and sustainable. We also recognise the critical shortage of affordable housing and we want to grow the number of households we support in properties we own or manage.

• Develop and strengthen strategic alliances and partnerships

  Achieving our mission is underpinned by effective cooperation with support agencies, government, peak bodies and the private sector.

• Provide commercial opportunities to support our mission

  We look for commercial opportunities that align with our values to create pathways (e.g. our social enterprise) and diversify our revenue (e.g. our Owners Corporations management services).

• Leverage Unison Housing Research Lab (RMIT University)

  We leverage our research partnership with RMIT University to inform service delivery and contribute to sector knowledge and government policy.

• Integrate our services across the housing continuum

  Unison teams work together across our different services (IAP, PRAP, Place Management of transitional, social and affordable housing) to optimise outcomes for our clients and renters. We will explore expanding offerings including home ownership.

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