Southern Cross Housing has a long history

of providing support and accommodation to people that are experiencing domestic and family violence. The organisation provides many properties that are allocated as priority housing for the exclusive use of around ten not-for-profit organisations that are based in the Shoalhaven. Many of these organisations use the properties to support people that have or are experiencing domestic violence.

It is no surprise that Southern Cross Housing supported the inaugural U/16 White Ribbon Cup that was staged at the Bomaderry Sporting Fields on Thursday 30th May 2023. The aim of the day was to bring awareness to – and take a stand against – domestic and family violence.

The event was organised by the South Coast Police District, in conjunction with the NRL and a range of Shoalhaven-based not-for-profit organisations. Students from Nowra, Vincentia, Shoalhaven and Bomaderry High School’s attended the event to participate in the knock-out footy competition.

Participants, Luke Butler and Wyl Brandon from Shoalhaven High School with Daniel Pearson and Kirsty Austin from Southern Cross Housing

Southern Cross Housing is part of community life across Southern NSW. The organisation’s head office is located in Nowra with regional offices in Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Bega, and Cooma. Southern Cross Housing manages community and affordable housing properties that house over 4,200 people with low to moderate incomes.

Southern Cross Housing’s deep commitment to supporting victims of domestic and family violence extends beyond the provision of priority housing allocations for NGO’s that deliver DV related services. Southern Cross Housing also administers the NSW State Government’s “Rent Choice Start Safely Program” in the Shoalhaven. This program assists people that are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to escaping domestic or family violence.

Under the Rent Choice Start Safely program, Southern Cross Housing assists clients with accessing wrap-around case management support and rent assistance under a Private Rental subsidy. This subsidy supports people escaping domestic and family violence with short to medium-term (up to three years) financial assistance to find affordable housing in the private rental market. Start Safely provides time-limited financial relief while the participant’s situation is stabilised. The subsidy is linked to an integrated support program and other existing private rent assistance products.

Southern Cross Housing’s NSW Housing Services Manager Shane Meijer with Sergeant Joel Latimer

To access support via SCH, participants need to complete an Application for Housing Assistance If a client meets Start Safely eligibility and is approved for the program, the next step is to find an affordable rental property. Subsidised rents will be available to approved participants for up to 36 months.

For more information about access to any of the above programs, please call the SCH Access and Demand Team on 1300 757 885.

If you or someone you know needs help, there are various national numbers (see below) that can provide help. As always, if you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Link2Home 1800 152 152
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Lifeline 131114
Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven/Illawarra 44298523