Housing Australia funds its first temporary accommodation
Housing Australia has funded its first temporary accommodation project, helping to address the critical need for secure and safe short-term accommodation for those at risk, or facing, homelessness in Metropolitan Sydney.
Housing Australia and Homes NSW have partnered to support Bridge Housing Limited (BHL) acquire an existing boarding house, which will be converted into temporary accommodation comprising 23-rooms.
The project will help address the urgent need for short-term accommodation, with homelessness increasing by almost 26 per cent compared to last year across NSW1.
The short-term accommodation will be available in coming weeks, with BHL appointing Mission Australia to operate the new temporary accommodation.
Housing Australia provided a $5.3 million loan from the Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator (AHBA) to support the acquisition of the boarding house, with further ongoing funding from Homes NSW.
Housing Australia CEO, Scott Langford said, “This is an incredible milestone for Housing Australia, and an opportunity to ensure people facing a crisis have access to safe and secure accommodation.
“This won’t be the last, with plans to fund more temporary accommodation projects through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility. We look forward to working with stakeholders to deliver this much needed accommodation.”
Bridge Housing CEO, Laurie Leigh said, “There are people in crisis without a bed to sleep in tonight. This funding answers the need for immediate temporary accommodation that is safe and dignified, with the added benefit of onsite social support provided by Mission Australia. A place for people to reset and work through next steps in their journey to more stable and secure housing.
“We are delighted that government is addressing both ends of the housing spectrum - those who need help now as well as long-term housing supply. Thank you to Minister O’Neil and Housing Australia for this finance to improve housing outcomes."
Homes NSW CEO, Rebecca Pinkstone said, “This project clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when we work in partnership to boost housing for our community. These homes will provide a pathway out of homelessness and housing insecurity and a foundation for a better life. Homes NSW is proud to be able to provide funding alongside contributions from Housing Australia and Bridge Housing to acquire the boarding house, which may have been lost to redevelopment. This site will now be permanently transformed into safe and secure accommodation for people in housing need.”
1. 2024 NSW Statewide Street Count by NSW Government Communities and Justice.