Funding for Haven House South Dowling wouldn’t be possible without the support of our property and construction partners. As a Housing Partner, Lendlease’s FutureSteps Social Impact Fund has invested $290,000 to create an apartment within the flagship development in Darlinghurst, Sydney. The 19-bedroom project will be managed by The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Services, providing long-term residential tenancy for homeless youth aged 16 to 24.
We talked to Jessie Lenson, General Manager of Social Impact Lendlease about the decision to make a significant commitment to a more sustainable future for homeless youth.
Why did Lendlease want to support Haven House South Dowling?
The Haven House South Dowling project aligned with the our FutureSteps criteria and focus – to support organisations addressing homelessness through local systematic change, increasing housing supply and creating stronger pathways to housing security for those most at risk. We were also attracted by the collaborative cross sector funding model, bringing together financial and in-kind support from the property sector, local council and State government.
“This project exemplifies our goal to work with organisations that create stronger pathways to sustainable housing security for those most at risk of homelessness and housing stress.”
Jessie Lenson, Lendlease
The fund’s contribution to the development is significant as a Housing Partner – funding an entire apartment for vulnerable young people. Why was this level of contribution important for Lendlease?
FutureSteps is grounded in the belief that everyone needs a place to call home. We made the decision to be a Housing Partner via our grant program to signify our commitment to supporting a more sustainable future for young people.
What did you feel was unique and valuable about the project?
The project is unique in the provision of longer-term housing for young people that encourages independence with a sense of community and support. Haven House South Dowling will be a place where young people can continue to thrive, hone their life skills, and build a new life in surroundings that are familiar to them. They will be supported by important networks, educational facilities, and work opportunities until they are fully equipped to move into independent living.
“We believe in the power of collaboration to support lasting change. By supporting projects like Haven House South Dowling through our FutureSteps Social Impact Fund, we are not only supporting the provision of essential long-term housing but also the fostering of an environment where young people can thrive and build a brighter future.”
Jessie Lenson, Lendlease
How does the project show the impact of collaboration across sectors and within the building and construction industry?
Collaborating with like-minded organisations is a hallmark of Lendlease’s approach to creating social value. It’s by working together with others that we have seen greater social outcomes delivered for individuals and communities. The scale and commitment of funding by Homes NSW, City of Sydney, Salvation Army, Goodman Foundation and over 20 property and construction companies demonstrates what can be achieved by a collaborative cross sector funding model.
This development will provide a secure home for at-risk youth but also a critical pathway into long term accommodation and access to education, employment and independent living skills – why is this wraparound support essential for breaking the cycle of homelessness?
FutureSteps partners with not-for-profit organisations across Australia to deliver transitional and longer-term housing solutions with integrated wraparound services. In our experience, providing stable accommodation alongside wraparound support and pathways into education and employment is vital to providing young people with the opportunity to access the support they need in a safe space to help break the cycle of homelessness.
If you want to be involved with the project, let us know at pif@pif.com.au
For ongoing updates on the progress of Haven House South Dowling please visit here
