Additional affordable housing for vulnerable women at risk of homelessness is coming soon to south-western Sydney as part of a joint initiative by the NSW Government and Muslim Women Australia.
Equally co-funded by Muslim Women Australia (MWA) and the NSW Government under the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF), the project will deliver 12 units valued at $7.2 million in Greenacre on MWA-acquired land.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said she was proud to support the project which was working directly with the community to support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women at risk of homelessness.
"This is a prime example of the government working in partnership with a community housing provider to achieve real results," Ms Harrison said.
"Once complete, purpose-built units will be delivered to meet the needs of vulnerable CALD women who might otherwise remain in violent situations or potentially be faced with homelessness."
The Greenacre Project features 6 x 5-bedroom duplexes and 6 x 1-bedroom studios, with separate kitchen and bathroom, inclusive of age modifications. This will cater to a variety of tenancy groups, addressing evidence-based needs for multicultural communities in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the CHIF model allowed social housing complexes to come online sooner.
"It is important that we are creating solutions that are community led, the delivery of culturally appropriate housing is an example of this, Ms Jackson said.
"We understand our housing needs to acknowledge diverse households, the design will allow for larger groups, single older women and single parents with disabled children in their care, and intergenerational families to be accommodated."
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the program highlighted the importance of collaboration with CALD communities in delivering tailored housing solutions.
"For our culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the importance of maintaining community connections, especially during traumatic times, cannot be understated," Mr Kamper said.
"Muslim Women Australia and the NSW Government have provided the state with a blueprint of how to provide much needed services, in a timely manner, whilst adjusting to meet the needs of our CALD communities."
Muslim Women Australia CEO Maha Abdo acknowledged the significance of the NSW Government partnering with community housing providers to deliver solutions for people in need.
"Domestic and family violence is one of the main causes of homelessness for women and it impacts people from all backgrounds, which is why culturally inclusive support is very much needed," Mrs Abdo said.
"We are working with the NSW Government and the community to support all women to provide them with safety and security through long-term social housing as part of our holistic wrap around support."
Site construction is already underway with completion due in early 2024.
CHIF is now a $152.5 million program delivering social and affordable housing in collaboration with CHPs across NSW.
The fund seeks to enhance the viability and longer-term sustainability of the community-housing sector by supporting the growth of CHP owned portfolios.
CHPs contribute equity, debt, tax exemption / concessions and other resources to capital supply projects.
