More than 40 members of Sydney’s most vulnerable older people now have a place to call home thanks to a $1.5m grant from the City of Sydney.
HammondCare Darlinghurst is now open, providing 42 single rooms, each with ensuites, for older vulnerable people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The new facility features a dedicated floor for women and has already received high praise from some of the new residents. Their comments include:
“The food here is delicious, the staff is doing a really great job! I've had 2 helpings today and am putting on weight which is good."
“I'm really chuffed that you people selected me to come and live in this home. It's so nice here! Thank you!"
HammondCare, an independent Christian charity, completed the Darlinghurst addition to its housing portfolio with support from the City of Sydney’s affordable and diverse housing fund.
The $1.5 million seed funding was further bolstered by donations from a variety of organisations including the Ian Potter Foundation.
HammondCare’s head of residential care, Central, Thomas Kramer, said it was paramount for residents to feel safe and supported at the Darlinghurst facility.
“Resident response to HammondCare Darlinghurst has been overwhelmingly positive with residents in particular citing the furnishing and fitout of the home as being outstanding,” Thomas said.
“Also very popular is the approach to food, where fresh-cooked meals that are meaningful and important to residents can be provided.
“Our chef was able to serve freshly cooked fish and chips on request for a resident on his birthday. Being able to tailor food and meals to the needs of residents is warmly welcomed.”
Our affordable and diverse housing fund was established 2015 with $10.35 million from the sale of land at Harold Park.
The fund assists projects that support a range of affordable and diverse housing opportunities in the local area.
These grants have been awarded from the fund:
- $3 million to St George Community Housing for the Youth Foyer project providing supported accommodation to youths at risk of homelessness
- $1.5 million to HammondCare for Darlinghurst project
- $1 million to Wesley Mission to refurbish the Edward Eagar supported accommodation facility
- $1 million to UTS for Australia’s first Indigenous residential college
- $150,000 to St George Community Housing Limited to fund a position to improve affordable housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in partnership with Bridge Housing and City West Housing
We also propose to extend our contribution by a further $10 million in either property or cash.
This funding will help meet our target for 15% of total dwellings to be affordable and diverse housing in our area.
Published 21 May 2020
