We are pleased to share that Cottage Homes has developed our new Strategic Plan, which will guide our work from 2026 to 2028.
The plan sets out how we will continue our long-standing mission of providing affordable rental housing for people living on the age pension.
“For more than 150 years, Cottage Homes has been helping older South Australians find a place to call home,” said Chief Executive Officer Ben Sarre.
“Our new Strategic Plan ensures we continue that mission while strengthening our organisation and expanding our ability to support more people into the future.”
Cottage Homes was established in the early 1870s to provide affordable housing for elderly people who had little financial support available to them. At the time, charitable organisations stepped in to help those who were unable to support themselves and had few housing options.
Today, the need for affordable housing for older people is greater than ever.
Our Strategic Plan will guide how we continue responding to the growing need.
Our Priorities for 2026–2028
The Strategic Plan identifies several key priorities that will guide our work over the next three years.
These include:
- Strengthening our housing portfolio so we can support more people
- Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation
- Enhancing governance and organisational capability
- Building strong partnerships with communities, supporters and stakeholders
Together, these priorities will help ensure Cottage Homes remains a trusted and sustainable provider of affordable housing for older South Australians.
Responding to Growing Housing Need
Across South Australia, increasing numbers of older people are experiencing housing stress.
Rising rents and limited housing supply mean that many age pensioners are finding it difficult to secure affordable long-term accommodation.
Providing affordable rental homes that allow people to maintain their independence and remain connected to their community is central to our mission.
A key focus of the Strategic Plan is ensuring we can continue expanding our housing capacity where opportunities arise.
One example of this is our upcoming Yankalilla development, which will deliver 14 new one-bedroom homes for age pensioners on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Building on 150 Years of Community Support
While the Strategic Plan focuses on the future, it builds on a strong legacy.
For more than a century and a half, Cottage Homes has been supported by generations of volunteers, donors, partners and community members who believed that older people deserve dignity, independence and a place to call home.
“Our work has always been driven by the generosity of the community and the belief that everyone deserves a place to live with dignity in their later years,” said Ben.
“This plan ensures we can continue that work for many years to come.”
Guiding the Work Ahead
Over the next three years, the Strategic Plan will guide the decisions and priorities of our Board, staff, volunteers and partners.
By strengthening our organisation and expanding our reach, we aim to ensure that more older South Australians have access to affordable housing and the opportunity to live independently within a supportive community.
As we look ahead to the future, our commitment remains the same as it has been since the beginning – helping older South Australians find a place to call home.