Construction of 24 affordable long-term rentals prioritising women and their families impacted by family and domestic violence has begun in the heart of Adelaide.

The $15.7 million apartment development for women and women-led families is the first in South Australia to be developed by YWCA Australia and backed by SA Housing Authority, has received a $5 million no-interest loan from the State Government.

Due for completion in 2025, the safe, secure and affordable one, two and three bedroom apartments on Hutt Street will be available to eligible women at below market rent. Women will also have access to a range of relevant support services.

Women on low to moderate incomes who are priced out of the private rental market will have access to the YWCA’s affordable homes, with women and their families who have experienced domestic and family violence prioritised as tenants.

Human Services Minister Nat Cook and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Katrine Hildyard today joined YWCA Australia for a ground breaking ceremony to mark commencement of construction of the development at the Hutt Street site.

Quotes

Attributable to Nat Cook

It is important the Malinauskas Labor Government support this incredibly significant project offering secure and a safe housing to extremely vulnerable women and children experiencing not only a crisis of violence, but also a housing crisis.

Without a safe and secure housing alternative, there’s a high risk these women and children will become homeless or stay in unsafe situations.

These affordable rental homes will be a place for recovery from the trauma and abject fear that is part of the toxicity of domestic and family violence. Healing can begin when people know they are finally safe.

This project when completed will deliver on our commitment to provide $5 million in no intertest loans for Domestic and Family Violence related projects.

Attributable to Katrine Hildyard

The prevalence of domestic violence and its impact on women, children, families and communities is unacceptable. We are determined to do all that we can to tackle this scourge.

Helping ensure women and children can recover and heal from the horror of domestic violence requires them being able to access a safe place to call home.

We don’t ever want women to have to choose between having somewhere to live and being safe. This development on Hutt Street is about ensuring they do not have to, a development that may save lives.

It is part of a comprehensive suite of legislative and policy measures the State Government is implementing to support and empower victim survivors and to prevent domestic violence.

YWCA Australia General Manager Community Housing Charlotte Dillon

As a specialist women’s housing provider, YWCA Australia looks forward to delivering 24 new homes designed specifically for South Australian women in need of affordable housing options.

Far too many women are finding it increasingly more difficult to secure safe and affordable housing as private rental rates hit record highs and vacancy rates dip to new lows across the nation.

This development will provide safe, stable, affordable, long-term housing for 24 women, including mothers with children, who have experienced family and domestic violence and provide a foundation to heal.

Attributable to Mary Patetsos, SA Housing Trust board Presiding Member AM

It is so important that women and children at risk of homelessness have access to appropriate facilities like these, providing a safe and secure tenure with appropriate supports in place.

The Authority and its partners through the Homelessness and Domestic and Family Violence Alliances are committed to working with YWCA to secure sustainable pathways for women into affordable and safe housing.