Vinnies’ Commitment to Social and Affordable Housing

During Homelessness Week, Vinnies is joining organisations and people around Australia to call for more social housing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Vinnies, we don’t just advocate for social and affordable housing – we show our commitment by building it ourselves.

Over the past two years, we’ve invested more than $200 million into building more than 500 new social and affordable housing units across NSW. While Vinnies has built, owns and maintains the units, they are rented out to tenants under a contract with the NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).

Vinnies’ social and affordable housing sites are brand-new, well equipped, and fit in well with their local neighbourhoods. Through the SAHF, all of our tenants are supported to make sure their needs are met, and to help meet their individual goals. We don’t just provide a home, but the wrap-around support that people in tough situations need to build a better life. The program has already changed the lives of people like Deb, who said “if it wasn’t for Vinnies, I would be on the street”.

We opened four new housing sites during July, bringing the total number up-and-running to 10. Another two housing sites will be opened in August and November this year.

Our most recently completed block of apartments is in Jordan Springs, near Penrith in the western suburbs of Sydney. Opened just a few weeks ago, the building contains 36 beautiful, brand-new units. NSW Minister for Communities and Justice, Gareth Ward MP, attended the opening along with other valued supporters.

Other completed apartment complexes are located in Dubbo, Penrith, Campbelltown, Merrylands, Lilyfield, Burraneer, Maitland, and two in Albury. The remaining two buildings nearing completion are in Katoomba and Cardiff.

Do you need housing?

If you think you may be eligible for social or affordable housing and would like to find out more about our units, please get in touch with the Amélie Housing team (part of Vinnies) at sahf@amelie.org.au or call us on (02) 9890 6500.

If you or your family are in need of urgent assistance to afford the basics, Vinnies can help with food, clothing, furniture and more. Call us on 13 18 12 for general support.