Visiting the units to be upgraded thanks to federal funding are (from left) SASSI CEO Penny Dordoy, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, manager of domestic violence services Alison Pembrey and domestic violence specialist Jamie Stenhouse. Photo: Office of Gilmore.
Almost $15 million will go towards upgrading homes for women in crisis in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven.
A $10.2 million Federal Government injection will help not-for-profit SASSI upgrade 15 transitional homes for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in the Shoalhaven.
SASSI, formerly Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI), manages the homes, which include six two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom units.
A further $4.6 million in funding will go to SASSI to acquire and upgrade six dwellings for women and children escaping family violence in the Illawarra. These will support up to 20 women and children escaping family and domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness, each year.
The organisation also provides counselling for families undergoing separation.
SASSI CEO Penny Dordoy said wraparound support services would be coordinated from an onsite office near the units, ensuring residents have ready access to case management, referrals and practical assistance.
“This embedded support model strengthens outcomes by helping women and children not only to secure safe housing, but also stabilise their lives and prepare for sustainable, long-term independence,” she said.
“The renovation works will bring the properties up to Livable Housing Silver standards and address necessary remediation to ensure the longevity of the asset, while enhancing safety, accessibility, and security for this vulnerable cohort.”
Each independent, self-contained home has a fully fenced yard for safe play, and the dwellings are pet-friendly, recognising the important role pets play in recovery from trauma.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the property was well positioned, close to village shops, parks, and schools.
“It’s an ideal location for women and children to restart their lives in a safe and connected environment, with healthcare and community services nearby, a bus stop outside the property, and it’s just a short drive into Nowra for major services,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Work will commence on the upgrades next week, and I can’t wait to see the homes finished towards the end of the year.
“This is a critical housing service that will support at least 15 families each year and will also provide specialist domestic and family violence case management throughout their tenancy and beyond.
“I’m so pleased to support SASSI and the incredible work they do to support vulnerable women and children in our community.”
These homes are among the 55,000 social and affordable dwellings the Albanese Government has targeted as part of a $45 billion plan to make housing more accessible.
While there’s still work to be done to address a housing crisis generations in the making, Mrs Phillips said it was a piece of the puzzle that would help some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
“This is part of our broader plan to build more homes and make Australia’s housing system fairer and more secure for everyone,” she said.
“Our ambitious $45 billion housing plan to build more homes and make them easier to buy includes targeted investments to expand crisis and transitional housing for those who need it most.”
