New homes for at-risk women in Bankstown

19 September 2022

More women at risk of homelessness have a roof over their head with tenants moving into new units in Bankstown, acquired as part of a $2.8 million investment to support vulnerable people into housing.

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the seven dwellings were being delivered under the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF) - a partnership with the community housing sector to provide more social and affordable housing.

“We know that stable housing is key to empowering at-risk women to improve their lives,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“It’s wonderful to see these women move into their new home, providing a life-changing space for those who need it most.”

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward, said the NSW Government had worked closely with CHIF to deliver these dwellings, which have been specifically designed to meet the needs of vulnerable women.

“We know that domestic and family violence is tragically one of the main causes of homelessness for women,” Mrs Ward said.

“Our government remains focused on breaking that cycle of family violence by investing in important initiatives like this and supporting women to overcome barriers of inequality.”

The CHIF offers grants to community housing providers who also co-contribute resources. The $2.8 million investment includes $2 million from the CHIF and $800,000 from the Women’s Housing Company.

Women’s Housing Company CEO Debbie Georgopoulos thanked the NSW Government for partnering with community housing providers to deliver solutions for people in need.

“When secure and affordable housing is available, this can be a game changer,” Ms Georgopoulos said. 

“We are very proud of our Bankstown Project, where tenants will be supported by the Women’s Housing Company to settle into the community and focus on the future.”

Muslim Women Australia Chief Executive Officer Maha Abdo says this announcement is a major step towards increasing the support for victim-survivors who are from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds.

“Our partnership with the state government is a partnership in purpose, providing hope for our diverse multicultural, multifaith community through access to stable, secure accommodation while also providing support through our unique healing framework,” said Ms Abdo.