$6.2 million Housing Australia grant to power Haven House South Dowling, delivered in partnership with the Property Industry Foundation, Salvation Army Housing, The Salvation Army, Goodman Foundation, Homes NSW and the City of Sydney
Housing Australia has committed $6.2 million in grant funding through the Housing Australia Future Fund, Crisis and Transitional (HAFF CT) to support Haven House South Dowling, a new transitional housing development for vulnerable young people in Sydney. The Property Industry Foundation is proud to be bringing this project to life, alongside Salvation Army Housing, The Salvation Army, the Goodman Foundation, Homes NSW and the City of Sydney (click here to see photos from the day).
Haven House South Dowling will deliver 10 new transitional housing units, providing accommodation to support approximately 250 young people aged 16 to 24 who are exiting crisis accommodation or out-of-home care over a 20-year period. The purpose-built development will provide safe and stable housing, alongside tailored services to help residents stay connected to education, training and employment, and transition to independent living.
The Housing Australia grant is supported by co-contributions from Homes NSW and the City of Sydney, along with philanthropic contributions raised by the Property Industry Foundation from across the property and construction sector.
Housing Australia CEO, Scott Langford, said every young person should have a safe place to call home and the opportunity to build a brighter future.
“Haven House South Dowling shows what can be achieved when government, philanthropy and community organisations come together to support vulnerable young people,” Mr Langford said.
“This project will provide much more than a roof over someone’s head. It will give young people the stability, support and opportunity they need to complete their education, build independence and create brighter futures.”
Kate Mills, CEO of the Property Industry Foundation, said the project reflects what can be achieved when industry, government and community organisations work together.
“We’re grateful for this essential funding from Housing Australia for our flagship project, Haven House South Dowling, which will provide 19 beds for young people experiencing homelessness, to be run by the Salvation Army in Surry Hills, Sydney,” Ms Mills said.
“Real change happens when industries and sectors work together. We’re proud to partner with the property and construction sector, Housing Australia, Homes NSW, the City of Sydney, The Salvation Army, Salvation Housing and the Goodman Foundation to bring this vital project to life. Together, we remain committed to helping homeless young people in Sydney get back on their feet and rebuild their futures.”
The four-storey development will comprise nine two-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom apartment, with each home featuring its own bathroom, kitchen, living area and balcony. The building will also include communal indoor and outdoor spaces designed to foster connection, wellbeing and independence.
The Salvation Army Youth Services will provide integrated case management and wraparound support services for residents for up to three years, with dedicated case managers helping young people remain engaged in education, training and employment while building the skills and confidence needed to transition to long-term housing.
“A safe and secure home is the foundation upon which young people can transform their lives and thrive. Haven House South Dowling will provide not only quality housing, but also access to the support, community connections and opportunities that empower young people to achieve their goals and realise their full potential,” Chris Karagiannis, CEO, Salvation Army Housing.
“We are proud to partner with The Salvation Army Youth Services, Property Industry Foundation, Goodman Foundation, the City of Sydney and Housing Australia to deliver a project that will have a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people across Sydney.”
Through initiatives like Haven House South Dowling, the Property Industry Foundation continues to channel the generosity of the property and construction industry into tangible housing solutions for some of Sydney’s most vulnerable young people.
“Our focus is to provide tangible and sustainable solutions for people experiencing disadvantage and hardship,” says Kris Ashpole, CEO, Goodman Foundation. “As providers of essential infrastructure, we’re well placed to help deliver solutions for youth homelessness, including the wholistic support needed to break the cycle is crucial to allow people to flourish. Through this project, and with the assistance of the partners involved, we hope to enable long term positive change for residents.”
