The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to provide safe, stable and supportive housing for women, with Step Out House, new transitional housing for women opening in Sydney today.
Step Out House provides secure housing and wrap-around support for women who have completed Detour House's alcohol and other drug recovery program.
This is a three-month residential program for women who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness and substance dependency. Delivered in partnership with Detour House, Bridge Housing and Homes NSW, Step Out House supports women by ensuring they have a safe place to stay while they transition to independent living, reducing the risk of relapse and homelessness.
Residents who complete the residential program can stay for up to 12 months and are given personalised support to secure long-term accommodation while continuing their journey to recovery in a nurturing environment.
The project has been made possible thanks to a grant of $463,716 from the Minns Labor Government $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund, which continues the Government's work to pull every available lever to address increase housing availability and homelessness support across the state.
The Fund provides grants to accredited homelessness services and registered Community Housing Providers, or Aboriginal Community Housing Providers.
Women are particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity, and older women are the fastest growing group of Australians facing homelessness.
The opening of Step Out House is the latest in the NSW Government's ongoing work to increase women's housing security, including setting aside half of the 8,400 new social and affordable homes under the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
The latest round of HIF funding is now open and accepting applications until April 30, 2025. For further information, visit the Homelessness Innovation Fund web page.
Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Mental Health Rose Jackson said:
"Safe and stable housing is the foundation for longstanding change. Services like Step Out House provide women the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.
"No one should have to choose between recovery and a roof over their head. We know that people living in secure accommodation with wrap around services are more likely to transition into long-term, stable housing.
"Meaningful housing reform is about delivering tailored solutions. This service meets people where they are and supports them on their journey to recovery."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"For women in recovery, it's so important that they have wrap-around support to help them rebuild their lives.
"This new transitional housing option with Step Out House allows women to continue to receive support and live in a safe and secure environment as they regain independence.
"We want to give women every opportunity to improve their wellbeing and live fulfilling lives in the community."
CEO of Detour House Cindi Petersen said:
"Detour House is excited to be able to offer transitional housing to women who have graduated from our three-month residential program.
"We have always faced the issue of exiting some graduates into Temporary Accommodation because we have been unable to resolve their homelessness in three months.
"This transitional property allows us to offer them safe accommodation while continuing recovery and receiving support to secure long term housing."
CEO of Bridge Housing Laurie Leigh said:
"Bridge celebrates the life-changing work of Detour House. We are honoured to be their tenancy management partner for this new transitional housing, funded by the Housing Innovation Fund.
"This home provides stability for graduates on their journey to permanent housing and rebuilding their lives."
