Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward, said extra homes were essential to support women and children fleeing domestic violence.
She said it was vital victim-survivors had access to safe, affordable housing as quickly as possible to help them get back on their feet after their traumatic experiences.
“We’re starting to see the important outcomes from our record commitment through the delivery of these additional homes, giving women and children who have suffered domestic violence a place to recover and thrive,” Mrs Ward said.
The apartments in Canterbury, purchased in partnership with Metro Community Housing, are being refurbished and will be available to domestic violence victim-survivors from April 2022, while those in Campsie will be in partnership with the Women’s Housing Company and available for use by September.
Victim-survivors of domestic violence who need a new home are added to the NSW Housing Register. Community housing organisations then use the Register to offer long-term housing when a suitable property becomes available.
Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, says the projects are being delivered under the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF), a partnership with the community housing sector to provide more social and affordable housing.
“We have committed to invest $52.5 million to provide 200 homes for victim-survivors and we are already delivering the first dwellings,” she said.
Homes for victims to rebuild
THE first 68 extra homes for women who have escaped an abuser, are being delivered by the NSW Government, with eight apartments to open in Canterbury and 16 in Campsie.