The biggest investment in social housing in a decade

A partnership between Homes NSW and Hume Community Housing will see 13 new homes built in Raymond Terrace through a land deal and funding from the Federal Government’s Social and Affordable Accelerator Fund (SHAF).

The innovative arrangement will see Homes NSW contribute the land where three ageing dwellings currently sit with Hume, transforming the site into six two-bedroom social homes and seven new affordable townhouses – an uplift of more than four times the homes previously at the site.

Hume will own the affordable homes and manage the social homes, which will remain owned by Homes NSW.

The partnership is made possible through the Community Housing Provider (CHP) Direct Dealing Policy, which provides CHPs opportunities to partner with Homes NSW in delivering more, better quality, fit for modern use homes for people in need.

This project is supported by the Port Stephens Council Raymond Terrace Masterplan, which brings together State and Local Government and the Community Housing Sector in addressing the housing crisis through the delivery of greater housing diversity and affordability in Regional NSW.

Hume has lodged a development application with Port Stephens Council and will receive a $1.5 million grant from the SHAF to deliver the project.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said: “”This partnership marks a significant milestone in addressing housing needs in the Hunter Region.”

“By working together with Hume Community Housing, we are not only revitalising the community of Raymond Terrace, but also setting a precedent for innovative housing solutions.”

Hume Chief Executive Officer Brad Braithwaite said: “Hume Community Housing is excited to be working alongside Minister Jackson and Homes NSW on developing innovative models for building strong communities and delivering more high quality affordable and social housing in the Hunter.”

“This is a relatively small pilot project, but we are very hopeful that from little things big things come. This collaboration demonstrates the impact of councils, state government, and community housing providers working together to tackle the housing crisis.”

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the project was “desperately needed”, adding that it was “the biggest investment in social housing in Port Stephens for more than a decade”.