Evolve Housing Limited, in partnership with Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), a leading charity supporting women and children at risk of homelessness and domestic and family violence, and Parramatta Women’s Shelter (PWS), are proud to announce a ground-breaking partnership to increase access to support services and shelter accommodation in the Cumberland LGA. 

This project will provide vital support and shelter for women and children at risk of homelessness and domestic and family violence in the Cumberland LGA and is due to be operational by the end of 2023. The project is part of the Core and Cluster accommodation model – Tranche 2 and is a testament to Evolve Housing’s genuine commitment to providing much-needed crisis accommodation to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. 

The project has received backing from the NSW Government’s record Domestic Violence $484.3 million investment for housing and specialist support services for women and their children experiencing domestic and family violence. 

Evolve Housing welcomed The Hon. Jodie  Harrison MP, Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Evolve Housing Group CEO Lyall Gorman; Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM; Liz Scully, Co-Chair of Parramatta Women’s Shelter; Member for Parramatta Donna Davis; and Member for Granville Julia Finn to announce this project and discuss the importance of crisis accommodation, recognising the responsibility for all partners in increasing the supply of social and affordable housing for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.  

This Core and Cluster project includes 12 units consisting of 1 x 1 bedroom, 7 x 2 bedroom, and 4 x 3 bedroom, built over a secure basement carpark, to meet the varying accommodation needs of women with or without children. On site will be a centralised location for engagement for services offering communal areas, an office space with ensuite and two private rooms for support delivery. The property will also provide for a secure, private outdoor recreation area with all dwellings having individual entrances and private courtyards or balconies in addition to the communal areas. The property is also situated near public transport, local amenities and mainstream support services. This allows for independent living and privacy for residents whilst providing on-site access to caseworkers and community support. 

Evolve Housing, a Tier 1 Community Housing Provider (CHP), will oversee all aspects of the property procurement, upgrading and ongoing management, ensuring that both private and common areas are maintained to ensure a safe standard of living. Evolve Housing will implement necessary upgrades to bring the property to a standard fit to provide safety and security needed under the Core and Cluster model.  

Women’s Community Shelters will support the establishment of the Core and Cluster project with Evolve Housing and provide a centralised management relationship with the NSW Government, while Parramatta Women’s Shelter will provide support services and manage day-to-day operations of the Core and Cluster facility.  

The shelter provides crucial supported accommodation services to women, with or without children who are at risk of homelessness or domestic and family violence. This important core and cluster project reflects Evolve Housing’s and WCS’ ongoing commitment to empowering and assisting local communities to access new opportunities to address the increasing numbers of women and children seeking help to leave domestic violence and homelessness.  

Lyall Gorman, Group CEO of Evolve Housing stressed on the importance of creating safe places for women and children at risk and escaping domestic violence. 

“These safe homes offer a lifeline to women who find themselves trapped in abusive relationships, providing them with a secure environment that not only ensures physical safety but also offers emotional support, counselling, and additional resources to assist women and their children to reshape their futures. By offering protection and a pathway to independence, these safe homes empower women to break the cycle of violence and reclaim their autonomy.  

“Evolve Housing recognises its responsibility to play a role in increasing the supply of such accommodation along with social and affordable housing for women and children escaping domestic and family violence and we are proud to be playing a stronger role in supporting this key area of need. 

“We commend initiatives like this that help build on our Safe Foundations’ partnership with Women’s Community Shelters and Parramatta Women’s Shelter to ensure women and children experiencing violence have a safe, secure and affordable home as a foundation to rebuild their lives and we look forward to continuing this great partnership.” 

Women’s Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM, said specialist domestic and family violence services are a lifeline for women and children leaving abuse. 

“Women’s Community Shelters is proud to be collaborating with Parramatta Women’s Shelter, with their committed volunteer Board, deep local knowledge and strong connections in the area, and our wonderful long-standing partner, Evolve Housing. Together, we will deliver exceptional support. We are committed to pursuing innovative opportunities to continuously evolve our service delivery model which is informed by the lived expertise of our clients,” Ms Daniel said. 

“This partnership represents true collaboration between the NSW Government, the domestic violence and housing sectors, amazing local communities and philanthropy.” Ms Daniel said. 

Co-Chair of Parramatta Women’s Shelter, Liz Scully is excited that Parramatta Women’s Shelter is teaming up with Evolve Housing and Women’s Community Shelters to serve even more local families. “Since opening our doors just three years ago, our caring team has supported new beginnings for more than 300 mums and kids in need of a safe place to stay.” Liz said. “This practical initiative from the NSW Government is a welcome opportunity to extend this support to women and children living in Cumberland City Council.” 

About Evolve Housing:

Evolve Housing Group (EH) is a leading community housing organisation, recognised as one of the most innovative, high performing providers of social and affordable housing in Australia. We provide housing solutions to eligible people on very low to moderate incomes who are unable to access appropriate housing in the private market.

Evolve Housing is a registered charity, a Deductible Gift Recipient and Public Benevolent Institution. We are also a registered Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Evolve Housing recognises our responsibility in supplying fit-for-purpose social and affordable housing, with the aim of increasing housing supply to match the diverse needs of households in housing stress. We deliver high quality housing developments that help build strong communities and provide support programs to empower residents to reach their potential and achieve greater independence.

The EH property portfolio currently consists of over 4,700 social and affordable housing properties that provide homes for more than 10,000 residents living in Metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter region, the mid-north and Central Coasts of NSW, the ACT and Victoria.