A new 54-room supported temporary accommodation hub for people experiencing homelessness was officially opened in Lismore by the Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, alongside the Hon. Janelle Saffin MP, and Lismore Mayor, Cr Steve Krieg. Final works will be completed this month, with the hub becoming operational early in 2026. With onsite management, access to a range of wrap-around support services will be available to help individuals and families transition to sustainable long-term housing outcomes.
Social Futures welcomed the Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, for the official opening of a new 54-room supported temporary accommodation hub in Lismore.
The building upgrade was undertaken to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including 14 units designated for women aged 55+ in need of crisis and transitional accommodation.
Vital funding for the project includes $1.078 million in capital from the NSW Government’s Homelessness Innovation Fund (HIF) and further funding of $2.9 million from the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program (CTAP) funded by the Commonwealth Department, The Treasury.
Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said the new hub, with professional management, is another major step forward in addressing homelessness in the Northern Rivers.
“This is a real turning point on the path to building a more resilient, inclusive community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive,” said Mr Davies.
“Onsite assistance is provided by our specialist homelessness support teams, ensuring participants have access to comprehensive, holistic supports that recognise each person’s unique needs.
“There are often a range of underlying factors that contribute to homelessness, and by providing more than just a roof over someone’s head we can effect real change in helping people to reach their goals and secure sustainable long-term housing outcomes.”
The site includes delivery of a high-quality security system, passive design principles, communal areas, a playroom, interconnecting room configurations for families, and consultation rooms for program staff and outreach services.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said, “The new Social Futures hub will be a game-changer for the Northern Rivers, providing crucial crisis accommodation alongside critical services needed to help individuals move towards long-term housing stability.
“We know housing affordability has gone backwards in the Northern Rivers, meaning more residents are experiencing housing insecurity.
“We are taking a housing-first approach to tackling homelessness in our regions and that starts with hubs like this one in Lismore that give people somewhere to go when they need it most.
“These new rooms, together with those already on offer in Tweed Heads, show the power of our Homelessness Innovation Fund with swift investment delivering life changing outcomes for people in the region.”
Lismore City Council Mayor, Cr Steve Krieg said, “What a wonderful use of a facility that was badly damaged in the 2022 floods. Clearly there is a need for support, and it is great to see Social Futures providing a vital service.”
Final works will be completed this month, with the hub becoming operational early in 2026.
The Lismore crisis and temporary accommodation hub is the second largest in the Northern Rivers, following in the footsteps of its sister property at Tweed Heads South, also managed by Social Futures. The Tweed property has supported 49 participants to successfully transition to long-term and permanent housing outcomes since the first intake of residents began in April this year.
Those experiencing homelessness and in need of emergency accommodation can contact Link2home, for 24/7 phone support on 1800 152 152.
People at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness are encouraged to contact Social Futures on 1800 048 310 as a range of support services are available.
