Accommodation Services
Introduction to Supported Accommodation
Supported Accommodation provide safe and secure short to medium term accommodation in conjunction with support services that provide opportunities for individual development.
Supported Accommodation programs all focus on the same goal — to assist clients to achieve success in living independently in their communities. To this end, all services provide structured support programs that offer individuals and families the opportunities for:
- Planning and goal setting
- Information and referral
- Development of living skills and relationship skills
- Counselling and mentoring
Related Link: Accommodation Services for Young People
The Short Term Units — Carlingford
Supported Accommodation Short Term Unit Program commenced approximately 16 years ago, to provide supported accommodation for families who are homeless. The Short Term Unit program is one of very few which can accommodate families consisting of couples with children, sole fathers and large families.
The needs of families requiring emergency accommodation vary significantly. Contributing factors may include a crisis such as eviction, fire, domestic violence, divorce or financial difficulty. For low income families, the cost of Sydney rentals, the shortage of public housing and the computer blacklisting of tenants with debts, can also make life increasingly difficult.
During their time at Supported Accommodation, the families are housed in 4 attractive fully furnished and private 3 bedroom homes in a peaceful and secure location. The service also provides one flat suitable for use by a small family.
Children’s Program
There are always many children living in the short term units, who are assisted by a child support worker. Her role is to encourage children with their school attendance, by helping them with their homework and ensuring they have the correct uniform and other school essentials, a key role in the lives of the children. Pre-school aged children and their carers are also provided with day time activities and development programs.
In addition to providing crisis or short term accommodation, families are assisted to plan for their futures. Support services provided to assist families to achieve their goals include linking families with Department of Housing, private rental market, health services, financial or personal counselling, relationship counselling or family therapy.
Typically a family will stay in the Short Term Units for 3 to 6 months before moving on to private rental accommodation or Department of Housing accommodation. Some families who require additional on-going support to settle into independent living in the community can be accommodated in public housing for up to one year with continuing access to a support worker. This service is provided in partnership with the Western Suburbs Housing Co-operative.
Who can access the service?
We receive and accept referrals from all over Sydney and NSW.
Priority is given to large families, fathers with children and families which include a boy over 12 years of age, as these families often have difficulty accessing other accommodation services.
Need more information?
Please contact the Senior Coordinator of Homeless Families programs on telephone 02 9857 5225
The Noreen Towers Community — Liverpool
The Noreen Towers Community is a response to the high rate of homeless families with children in the Liverpool area. Working with the Department of Community Services and the Department of Housing, Wesley Mission has created an innovative community that combines access to family accommodation with family support and group work services.
The Noreen Towers community provides 14 three bedroom units located in four blocks linked together by common gardens and a large community meeting room. A service office is co-located with the community and a caretaker is on site 24 hours a day. The community meeting facilities are used for parenting programs, playgroups, after school homework club, art and craft groups and social activities.
The program aims to break the cycle of homelessness by:
- Providing high standard housing to meet immediate needs
- Working with families to find long term housing
- Assisting families to address the issues that have contributed to homelessness including drug abuse, domestic violence, financial issues and stress
- Work with children affected by homelessness
Each person who enters the program has a Goal Plan. Families typically stay in the community for 9 months while they work towards their goals. Two family workers and one children’s worker staff the program.
Who is Noreen Towers?
The Noreen Towers Community was named in honour of the Reverend Noreen Towers OAM. For over 40 years, Noreen facilitated services that provide daily care for hundreds of homeless people.
Who can access the program?
Families are usually referred by other services in the Liverpool area. Residents have included refugee families, Indigenous families and single parent families.
Need more information?
Please contact the Coordinator of Noreen Towers Community on telephone 02 9825 0153.
