Veritas House, in partnership with Orange Uniting Church, have been successful in receiving a Homelessness Innovation Fund (HIF) grant from Homes NSW under the Reforming Temporary Accommodation program.
The $500,000 funding grant will support Veritas House and Orange Uniting Church to transform a former Kindergarten Hall into a multi-purpose Supported Temporary Accommodation and Transitional housing property to provide a safe, secure and supported housing pathway for young people and young families aged 17-25.
Adaptive Architects have been thoughtfully working on the designs for the property which once renovated will have 7 ensuite bedrooms and shared living facilities. Veritas House dedicated case workers will support tenants with independent living skills, employment and education creating a pathway toward long-term housing.
Veritas House is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in the Central West over 40 years ago and has grown to become one of the largest providers of foster care, youth homelessness and family support services in the region, supporting more than 1,000 children, young people and families each year.
NSW Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Youth Rose Jackson said: “The game-changing Homelessness Innovation Fund supports organisations like Veritas House to expand their services, with a focus on early intervention and prevention as we work to break the cycle of homelessness.
“When young people are given support in addition to a safe place to stay, it can change lives. I am proud to announce this funding to convert this kindergarten hall to a much-needed youth homelessness service.”
Jody Pearce CEO of Veritas House said: “The availability and accessibility of safe, secure, and affordable housing for young people and young families continues to be a challenge in Orange and surrounding regional districts.
“In response to the critical need for accommodation we had to get innovative in solving the problem. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful and supportive community with Orange Uniting Church partnering with Veritas House to provide a vacant Kindergarten Hall that is centrally located in Orange.”
Mrs Beverley Rankin, Chairperson, Orange Uniting Church Council said: “The very building that will be renovated to accommodate these young people was originally dedicated to the service of children in our community.
“What an appropriate use that the great, great grandchildren of many of these faithful people will have a future and a hope because of this innovative use of their foundational work.”
