Vinnies is coming to the rescue of people who can only afford to live in social housing.
Up to 100 local people in this situation will now be able to live in a brand new apartment block of 48 units in the heart of Campbelltown that was officially opened today.
The purpose built community complex was developed by Vinnies [St Vincent de Paul] using donations from supporters as well as funding from the NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).
Catholic bishop emeritus and former Wollongong bishop, Peter Ingham, blessed the building following a smoking ceremony by local elder Uncle Ivan Wellington as part of the official opening proceedings.
Campbelltown Mayor, Cr George Brticevic, attended the opening, as did the president of St Vincent de Paul in NSW, Denis Walsh.
Vinnies Housing CEO Brian Murnane said this latest initiative represented the organisation’s long standing commitment to serving the people of Campbelltown.
“These Campbelltown apartments will ensure tenants have the safety and security of a place to call home, as well as providing tailored support so they can connect with the services they need and become part of a supportive community,” Mr Murnane said.
“As part of Vinnies’ arrangement with the NSW Government, 500 properties will be developed across 12 sites throughout the state. New units have already opened in Dubbo, Penrith and Albury, with eight more sites to open in 2020.”
Vinnies NSW recently launched the Build Homes, Build Hope campaign, advocating for the supply of social housing in NSW to be increased by 5,000 additional properties per year over the next 10 years.
More than 51,000 applicants are currently on the waiting list for social housing in NSW, including families with young children.
Vinnies is calling on members of the public to sign its petition for more social housing at vinnies.org.au/socialhousing.
“Without a secure place to live, it is incredibly difficult for people to live healthy lives in the present, let alone plan for the future,” says Jack de Groot, CEO of Vinnies NSW.
“Every day at Vinnies we help people living on the verge of homelessness. Living with this uncertainty takes a toll on their mental and physical health.
“We do our best to support those in need, but many people still aren’t able to afford regular meals, or electricity to keep warm during winter or cool down in a heatwave. We see families fall apart under the stress.
“By providing more social housing, the state of NSW can restore hope to people facing poverty,” Mr de Groot said.
