Abbeyfield Australia is a national not-for-profit community housing provider that offers affordable housing solutions for older people and younger adults with mild intellectual disabilities. With a focus on promoting independence and social relationships, Abbeyfield provides safe and secure communal housing where residents can live self-sufficiently within a supportive environment. The Abbeyfield model, originating in the UK in the 1950s, emphasizes locally managed solutions to meet the housing needs of communities, with the first Australian house established in Melbourne in the early 1980s.
At Abbeyfield Australia, residents have the opportunity to live in Independent Living houses across the country, fostering greater independence and companionship through communal hubs for socializing and connecting with neighbors. The organization’s vision is to offer individuals the choice of living in Abbeyfield housing that supports their life choices, while the mission is centered on ensuring the sustainability and development of Abbeyfield housing to enrich community needs. Abbeyfield houses are designed to be ordinary homes in ordinary streets, providing a supportive and engaging environment for residents to come and go as they please.
As a public benevolent institution with Deductible Gift Recipient Status, Abbeyfield Australia operates as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, independent of political or union affiliations. Supported by house committees and volunteers nationwide, Abbeyfield offers a cost-effective community housing alternative that prioritizes the well-being and independence of its residents. With a commitment to sustainable community-based housing development, Abbeyfield Australia continues to serve as a welcoming and friendly provider of independent housing solutions for diverse populations across Australia.