ISHA Incorporated

ISHA Incorporated (ABN: 29611648651RR0001) is an Australian nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable, quality housing for people on low incomes through a tenant-managed cooperative model. Established over 30 years ago, ISHA operates as a volunteer-driven housing provider adhering to international principles of cooperation to support social housing needs in various locations within South Australia[4].

Purpose and Activities

The core mission of ISHA Incorporated is to offer affordable and quality residential accommodation for low-income households. The organization operates as a cooperative, where tenants actively participate in managing their housing community. Many members are involved in creative and educational fields such as writing, arts, making, and performing, and they also contribute volunteer time toward community activities beyond housing management. The cooperative emphasizes social engagement, community gardening, and mutual support among residents[4].

Housing and Locations

ISHA Incorporated manages a small portfolio of properties mainly in South Australia, including areas such as Black Forest, Goodwood, Bridgewater, Aldgate, and Morphett Vale. The cooperative oversees approximately nine properties housing around eleven tenants, underlining its focus on a close-knit community atmosphere[4].

Governance and Values

As a tenant-managed cooperative, ISHA embodies the principles of democratic governance and shared responsibility among its members. This approach reflects its commitment to cooperative values, aiming to empower residents through participation and collective decision-making. The long-standing cooperative foundation emphasizes sustaining affordable housing solutions within the broader context of social equity and community wellbeing[4].

While ISHA Incorporated shares a similar acronym with other organizations such as the Isha Foundation—which is a spiritual nonprofit founded in India focusing on yoga and social upliftment—it operates independently with a distinct mission centered on cooperative housing in Australia[3][4][5].

In summary, ISHA Incorporated is a volunteer-managed nonprofit cooperative committed to providing affordable housing and fostering community among low-income residents in South Australia, founded on cooperative principles and sustained by the active involvement of its members.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/2c13c67f-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/profile [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/2c13c67f-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/b3fbf304-0940-eb11-bf72-000d3ad1cd99 [3] https://isha.sadhguru.org/au/en/program-details [4] https://cehsa.com.au/member-organisations/introducing-our-member-organisations/ihsa-inc/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isha_Foundation