SYFS AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT

In a major boost for the local community Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) has been awarded $5.668 Million under the Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

The SYFS Social Housing Project was one of only two successful local bids during this 5th Round of the BBRF which has to date invested $1.38 Billion across the country, aiming to provide infrastructure and services to regional communities and assist them in rebounding strongly from the COVID Pandemic.

The $11.335 Million SYFS project consists of construction of 21 new social housing units in Warilla, providing a holistic and integrated case management model for vulnerable and disadvantaged youth throughout the Illawarra and Shellharbour.

SYFS CEO Narelle Clay said 'We've actually got the opportunity to build something that is modern, that is targeting one of the most vulnerable groups in the community. You can't underestimate what it does for people to have somewhere stable and decent to live in - it will be life changing for the people who access this housing. '.

SYFS will continue to advocate for more affordable social housing options across the region in an effort to address the current shortage crisis, which sees wait times of 5-10 years across NSW and over 1,800 people registered on the waiting list across Wollongong City and Shellharbour alone.

Construction of the Project is scheduled to begin this year with completion by January 2023.