Social Futures receives the first Homelessness Innovation Fund grant! A $700,000 grant to transform a former aged care facility into a crisis accommodation hub in the heart of Lismore’s proposed health precinct. Minister for Housing and Homelessness, The Hon. Rose Jackson was in Lismore this week to make this announcement, which will assist delivery of 30 self-contained rooms in a unique service delivery model offering onsite wraparound supports.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, The Hon. Rose Jackson, joined Lismore MP Janelle Saffin along with Social Futures representatives on site to celebrate the announcement of funding directed towards transforming a former aged care site into crisis accommodation for Lismore.
The announcement, a $700,000 funding grant, will support Social Futures to transform a former aged care facility ‘Fromelles’ into a crisis accommodation hub, offering 30 self-contained rooms in a unique service delivery model offering onsite wraparound supports.
Social Futures proposed accommodation hub is the first project to be announced for the NSW Government’s Homelessness Innovation Fund.
The project funding enables Social Futures to trial new approaches and focus on early intervention and prevention.
The 2024 Statewide Street Count data shows a steady rise in homelessness rates in Lismore, reflecting a concerning trend of increasing homelessness across the North Coast, and is exactly why Social Futures purchased the disused site with a vision to offer a new type of crisis accommodation to the Northern Rivers region.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, The Hon. Rose Jackson said:
“Turning an unused aged care facility into crisis accommodation is exactly the kind of innovative action we need to tackle the housing crisis.”
“These 30 new rooms will give people across the Northern Rivers a safe and secure place to rebuild their lives during incredibly challenging times.”
Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said: “This project is a vital step forward in addressing homelessness in Lismore. Transforming a disused facility into a safe and secure place for individuals and families shows what can be achieved when government, community organisations, and local leaders work together.
“Our region has faced extraordinary challenges; this funding ensures that some of our most vulnerable community members will have access to shelter and support when they need it most.
“The NSW Government is demonstrating its commitment to finding long-term, innovative solutions to homelessness that focus on dignity, stability and hope for the future.”
Social Futures CEO, Tony Davies said:
“Today’s announcement of funding is welcome news for the Lismore community as we work to improve housing outcomes for vulnerable people in one of the highest need areas of the state outside of Sydney.”
“It will meet the needs of the community’s most vulnerable and offer wrap around supports to benefit health and wellbeing.”
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