Dreams of a better tomorrow for homeless

UP to 100 new beds are expected to become available for people experiencing homelessness in the Northern Rivers in the next few months.

Homes NSW is working with Homelessness Innovation Fund (HIF) recipients on a range of projects across the state, including in Tweed Heads South and Lismore.

The $100 million fund provides one-off and short-term funding as a response to the homelessness crisis while more new social homes are built.

In the 2024/25 financial year $30 million is available in three assessment rounds.

The deadline for the next round of applications is February 14, with the successful recipients to be announced in March.

Applicants who were unsuccessful in one round can strengthen their proposal and apply again.

In Tweed Heads South, Homes NSW is working with Social Futures on plans for 70 apartments at a vacant facility, with operations set to begin in the coming months.

The $525,000 project includes 12 units specifically catering to over-55s or disability housing and secure parking.

In Lismore, a project manager has been appointed to transform former aged care facility Fromelles Manor, which was damaged in the 2022 floods, into crisis accommodation.

The $768,862 project will include 30 self-contained ensuite rooms.

It is hoped the facility will be up-and-running in the first half of 2025, subject to DA approval.

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is part of the record $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Package, which was announced in the 2024–25 NSW Budget.

It is open to accredited homelessness services and registered Community Housing Providers (CHPs) or Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs), or those on the pathway to achieving accreditation or registration until April 2025.