A new community-run social housing development on the state's south coast hopes to provide relief to young people at risk of homelessness in one of Shellharbour's most disadvantaged suburbs, ABC News reports.
The new 20-unit development in Warilla is comprised of one-and-two-bedroom unit dwellings catering to about 30 young people.
Officially unveiled on Friday morning, construction on the $10.5 million project began two years ago and is jointly funded by the state and federal governments.
The units will be run by Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) and located at its Warilla wraparound services hub.
SYFS chief executive Narelle Clay said many of the future tenants were under the age of 24 and had a difficult start to life.
"That could be because of poverty," she said.
"That could be because of housing stress, could be because of child abuse, family and domestic violence, could be because of other factors that exacerbate that such as disability, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health."
Ms Clay said the accommodation would provide a safe place for people who had spent years trying to secure stable housing.
"They're ready for independence. They're ready to pay rent," she said.
"They're ready to look after their property, but for them, it means a real secure start."
Ms Clay wants to see more social housing delivered in the area.
FULL STORY
Multimillion-dollar social housing units provide NSW's young secure housing (ABC News)
PHOTO
The new units are alongside a youth service hub that has helped Broyden Bruncic get back on his feet.(ABC Illawarra: Romy Gilbert)
