1200 additional social and affordable homes for vulnerable people in NSW

The NSW Government has launched the second phase of its Social and Affordable Housing Fund with an additional 1200 new houses to be delivered across NSW.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward announced today that the Government had now committed to a target of 3400 new social and affordable dwellings through this fund, following 2200 announced in March.

“This second stage will provide more homes to those in need of social housing and ensure residents are connected to transport, jobs, education and tailored support services,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Ms Berejiklian said there was an increasing number of older women experiencing housing stress and requiring access to affordable housing and support services.

“It is very important that we make affordable housing available for older women in our community. We hope to see proposals in phase two of this program that include this vulnerable cohort.”

Ms Goward said an innovative approach was needed to address the number of people experiencing crisis or housing stress.

“By embracing innovative and collaborative approaches by the nongovernment and private sectors to provide holistic housing services, we are helping people break the cycle of disadvantage and work towards greater independence,” Ms Goward said.

The service packages include access to accommodation, asset and tenancy management services, and links to support services.

The NSW Government established the $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund using seed capital invested in the Government’s investment arm, NSW Treasury Corporation.

Tenants began moving into houses funded by phase one in May this year.

The Government will begin market sounding to engage with community housing providers, not for profit and commercial organisations in October.