Homes NSW has pledged $3 million towards the building of Haven House South Dowling – an innovative 19-bedroom project in Sydney’s inner city that breaks ground in 2025.
The Property Industry Foundation is proud to partner with Homes NSW, the City of Sydney, the Goodman Foundation, the property and construction industry, and The Salvation Army on Haven House South Dowling, critical long-term housing for youth people at risk of homelessness in inner city Sydney.
In a bid to tackle soaring cost of living pressures and the housing crisis, Homes NSW has committed a $3 million grant, with an additional $1.5 million from the Goodman Foundation. Homes NSW represents the housing and homelessness services of several key Government departments and offices, focusing on maintenance, tenant services and homelessness support.
Haven House South Dowling is a 19-bedroom development offering at-risk young people a way into long term accommodation and access to education, employment and independent living skills. The 9 x 2-bedroom apartments and 1 x 1-bedroom apartment will be managed by The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Services team and will be a lifeline to 16- to 24-year-olds at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Eligible tenants will be able to access a residential tenancy agreement, establishing a long-term rental history – a key factor in entering the private rental market.
“We welcome this vital funding from Homes NSW for our flagship project, Haven House South Dowling, which will deliver 19 beds for homeless youth to be operated by the Salvation Army in Surry Hills, Sydney,” said Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills. “It is through cross-industry, cross-sector collaboration that we can make a difference. We are pleased to collaborate with the property and construction industry, Homes NSW, the City of Sydney, The Salvation Army and Goodman Foundation to deliver this important project. Together, we are continuing to support young people in Sydney who are homeless to enable them to rebuild their lives.”
This innovative collaboration between state and local government, the private sector, and the community housing sector forms part of Homes NSW efforts to tackle the housing crisis, including difficulties faced by young people struggling to enter the rental market due to shrinking affordability and availability.
Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said: “The Haven House South Dowling project will change and save the lives of vulnerable young people in our city. The partnership of the NSW Government, City of Sydney, The Salvation Army and the Property Industry Foundation show what is possible when different levels of government work together with the private sector and service providers.”
Construction on Haven House South Dowling is scheduled to start in early 2025 and reach completion in 2026, with collaboration being the cornerstone of the build. Said Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson: “This is a significant project that takes us another step forward in addressing youth homelessness in Sydney and demonstrates what can be achieved when government, industry, and community sectors come together. We know that there are increasing numbers of people sleeping rough in a cost-of-living crisis everywhere across NSW, so the need for transitional housing is more important than ever. Through the innovative approach of this project, we aim to provide shelter while empowering young people to build stable and independent futures.”
The landscape of homelessness is shifting, with more young people at risk of housing instability and homelessness. 2024 Street Count data showed a 26 percent rise in rough sleeping across NSW, compared to 2023. Haven House South Dowling will offer secure housing but also wraparound support, including education, training and employment opportunities, decision-making skills, budgeting and financial management skills, living skills and further independence.
For ongoing updates on the progress of Haven House South Darling please visit here
