A partnership between the Commonwealth, NSW Government and Community Housing Provider, BaptistCare has delivered 162 new social and affordable homes in Carlingford for hundreds of people in need.
This project will see 97 social housing applicants moved from the waiting list and into secure accommodation. The remainder of the apartments will be allocated to eligible affordable housing applicants.
The Commonwealth has delivered $70 million through the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) to community housing provider BaptistCare, helping to deliver more homes under the NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) Program.
In addition to developing the Carlingford site, BaptistCare will manage the property and provide wrap-around support services to tenants under their 25-year contract term to empower tenants to lead more independent and satisfying lives.
The new estate has 162 new state-of-the-art homes comprising 82 one-bedroom, 63 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom apartments for over 55s and single-parent families at risk of homelessness, in unsafe housing and those impacted by domestic violence.
The NSW Government is committed to delivering housing that people are proud to call home. The Carlingford housing community features a children’s playground, community spaces, underground carparking and native landscaping.
The Albanese Government recently announced a new $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator to deliver thousands of new social homes across Australia, including $610 million for NSW.
This will enable the construction of even more homes like the ones being opened in Carlingford.
The apartments are independently certified to the Liveable Housing Australia Guidelines Silver standard, ensuring that the homes are accessible for tenants.
Tenants have started to move into their new homes which became available in June.
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“The housing crisis is real and growing, and it’s through innovative partnerships like this one, which leverages the expertise of the community housing sector and vital Commonwealth funding, that we’ll deliver more social and affordable housing sooner.
“Our priority is to continue to deliver more social and affordable housing across NSW. We want to get more people off the housing waitlist and into homes.
“In addition to providing safe and secure housing, the wraparound services are crucial to ensure we are supporting some of our most vulnerable with access to the help they need to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
“Achieving better outcomes starts with having a safe place to live. We are not only delivering homes, we are giving people who need them the best opportunity for a brighter future.”
Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins said:
“This exciting partnership between different levels of governments, along with this community housing provider shows what is possible when we’re working together.
“I’m proud that our government’s new Social Housing Accelerator will enable the construction of even more homes like these in NSW.
“It’s also a great example of the kind of projects we could be helping build under the Housing Australia Future Fund.
“But this secure, ongoing pipeline of funding for social and affordable housing is being blocked by the Greens and the Liberals in the Senate.”
BaptistCare CEO Charles Moore said:
“Community housing providers like BaptistCare are an important part of the ecosystem in delivering quality social and affordable housing and wrap-around services that support people facing rental stress and homelessness across the state.
“Having a secure place to call home is vital, but housing is more than just having a roof over a head. BaptistCare is focused on creating genuine communities for our tenants and encouraging friendships, connection and support networks for the people who live there.
“Tenants will have access to a suite of support services such as counselling, group programs and chaplains, no interest loans, and aged care services where relevant, as well as the reassurance that our staff are onsite and available to assist with their independence and wellbeing.”