Image: Zhao Yue, Shutterstock
Vacant properties in inner-city Sydney will be used for people urgently seeking shelter in a bid to strengthen housing support.
One social housing block earmarked for redevelopment will be temporarily used for crisis accomodation, particularly for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, “We know a big part of this housing crisis is homes left vacant that could be used by people in need. This is a common sense, practical approach to help get people back on their feet.”
“The surge in demand for temporary accommodation emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive support services. Securing additional funding is imperative to bolstering these services and delivering sustainable solutions for people experiencing homelessness.”
As the housing crisis wages on, the 17-unit building will be used to provide short-time accomodation for people experiencing homelessness, who are unable to access any other form of safe and appropriate accommodation.
This model, born out of a partnership between Homes NSW and community house provider Bridge Housing, will continue to be rolled out across the state where suitable properties are identified to be used for temporary accommodation.
Bridge Housing’s Chief Operating Officer Simone Parsons said, “Taking properties earmarked for development and repurposing them for interim accommodation changes the lives of people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.”
Increasing the supply of alternative accomodation, even on an intermediary level, can reduce pressure for temporary and crisis support.
“It gives them a stable base to get back on their feet, supported by the Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC), Weave and YWCA, while we work to find them long-term housing,” Parsons continued.
“Meanwhile housing helps solve immediate housing needs and is scalable and replicable for sites undergoing the DA process.”
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