UnitingSA, one of the state’s leading community and affordable housing providers, has received almost $9 million to help build more than 50 new affordable homes for South Australian families and individuals.

UnitingSA’s successful application for funding under the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator will support its new housing developments in Bowden and Kidman Park.

Located in Bowden, Uniting on Hawker will include 50 homes, featuring two Specialist Disability Accommodation apartments and 30 homes earmarked for social housing.

The social housing component of Uniting on Hawker will target women aged 55 and over who are either experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

This cohort is the fastest growing homeless group in the nation and UnitingSA sees this firsthand with an increasing number of older women presenting to our services due to extreme housing stress.

Expected to be completed by late 2026, the $25 million-Uniting on Hawker development is designed as a mix of market sales, public housing and affordable rentals. It will receive $7 million in Federal Social Housing Accelerator funding.

Meanwhile, the all-social housing Kidman Park project, will accommodate up to 20 residents in six, two and three-bedroom family homes. The $3.5 million-project will receive $1.89 million in federal funding and is expected to be completed early 2026.

The funding announcement was made last week by Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins and South Australian Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion.

In total, the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator will contribute $135 million to housing projects in South Australia, with Community Housing Providers (CHPs) to provide an additional $60 million.

As part of the first round of projects, this partnership is set to deliver more than 369 new and improved social homes, across community and public housing projects, providing homes for approximately 605 South Australians.

UnitingSA CEO Jen Hall has welcomed the funding as national and state governments renew their focus on tackling the housing crisis.

“People are hurting and UnitingSA remains committed to helping solve the state’s housing crisis by working with leading stakeholders,” Ms Hall said.

“We are privileged to play a part in alleviating some of the state’s housing strain by contributing towards positive housing outcomes for our community.

“At UnitingSA we are also setting high design and building standards in our new developments and will continue to respond to this need with practical solutions.”

In addition to providing much needed housing, UnitingSA provides essential wraparound services for its social housing tenants, she said.

“This includes programs and assistance to help renters maintain tenancies, mental health support, drug and alcohol addiction support, family relationships support, domestic violence support and disability support.”

UnitingSA currently operates more than 600 properties across Adelaide’s north-western suburbs, with more in the pipeline.

Background
UnitingSA is a key player in the South Australian social and affordable housing sector. In 2022, UnitingSA Housing attained a Tier 1 regulatory status through Australia’s National Regulatory System for Community Housing, demonstrating an ongoing commitment and capability to deliver high-quality, affordable housing. In the same year the provider received winning the Aged Care and Community Housing Award and Small-Scale Development Award at the 2022 Urban Development Industry Australia (UDIA) SA Awards for Excellence.

Media Contact:
Catherine Bauer 0478 855 367