UnitingSA is excited to build its latest community housing development – Uniting on Hawker – in Bowden. The project will provide housing for vulnerable women aged 55 and over who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The development will replace 10 outdated buildings with 30 contemporary apartments built across two levels. The site will include a mix of social and affordable apartments.
The announcement comes as Homelessness Australia reveals alarming data that shows there has been a 30% spike in women and girls experiencing homelessness. Those seeking homelessness support jumped from 24,517 in May 2022 to 29,449 in March 2025.
UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall says that the acute housing shortage is making it increasingly difficult for people to find a safe place to call home – with the most vulnerable in our community often the hardest hit.
“Women aged 55 and over are the fastest growing demographic of Australians facing homelessness in the nation,” she says.
“At UnitingSA, we’re seeing that firsthand, with growing numbers of women presenting to our services under extreme housing stress.”
UnitingSA has secured funding from the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and the Social Housing Accelerator Payment to support the build.
The housing development has been thoughtfully designed with the needs of its future residents in mind and includes a variety of communal spaces that will encourage social connection.
Universal design principles will also ensure all living spaces are accessible for all tenants, regardless of their physical abilities.
“UnitingSA is uniquely positioned to deliver projects that prioritise community impact and resident wellbeing,” explains Ms Hall.
“We can provide wraparound services when needed including home care, counselling, mental health support, and NDIS services.”
Uniting on Hawker is expected to be completed by early 2027.
“A lot of planning has been undertaken to get to this point. We’re very much looking forward to working with all our project partners on this exciting development.”