Samaritans local community properties to be refreshed
Latest News · 8th April 2021

Samaritans local community properties to be refreshed

Samaritans will spruce up 15 of its community housing properties thanks to a $250,000 grant from the NSW Government.

The houses receiving upgrades include a temporary shelter for women escaping domestic violence, transitional housing for young people experiencing homelessness, as well as properties that are permanent residences for people with disabilities.

Samaritans is the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle’s social welfare agency. The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle’s Diocesan Chief Executive, Coralie Nichols, said, “These homes are crucial safe spaces for people in our community who are experiencing hardship, as well as for people with a disability who want to live independent lives in supported homes. Renovations to bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas will make people’s experiences in these homes much more comfortable and fulfilling.”

“We are very grateful to the NSW Government, through the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), for the allocation of more than $250,000 in capital works funding to Samaritans to deliver these upgrades,” she said.

People with a disability living in Samaritans Supported Independent Living accommodation in Newcastle and Taree will be able to enjoy new bathrooms, a new kitchen and fresh paint in their homes.

Young people experiencing homelessness who are supported to live in temporary transitional accommodation in Newcastle and Cessnock will live in better surroundings while they get back on track. Property upgrades will include painting, outdoor paving, new fences, bathrooms, and flooring.

Fences will be replaced at a domestic and family violence (DFV) refuge service supporting women and children to stay safe in Taree while they rebuild their lives. Samaritans is working in partnership with local building contractors to complete the works. The services will maintain operation with minimal disruption during the upgrades.

This funding allocation forms part of the NSW Government’s announcement of 31 successful bids by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) to deliver $40 million in stimulus funding to upgrade social housing, create jobs and help build safer and stronger communities throughout NSW.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the $40 million program will deliver capital works for more than 2000 properties owned by LAHC and managed by CHPs, including 55 per cent in regional locations.

“The program will create more than 350 jobs in NSW, with more than half of them in regional areas. Regional NSW has also received over half of government stimulus grants over $1 million,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Alongside CHPs, we’re improving the quality, comfort and safety of homes for thousands of vulnerable people and families throughout NSW.

“This investment is also supporting the local businesses that are supplying workers with the tools, trades and building materials that will give these homes a fresh lick of paint, a new roof or gutter, and much needed bathroom and kitchen replacements.”

The $40 million stimulus injection forms part of the NSW Government’s record budget investment of close to $900 million to fast-track construction of thousands of new homes, while creating jobs and boosting the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

The NSW Government announced a $200 million maintenance spend in the last year’s budget. This complements the $47 million maintenance stimulus program delivered by LAHC last year, which supported 500 jobs and upgraded 2,200 social housing properties and another 200 buildings, grounds and complexes, in regional and metropolitan NSW.

Related articles