Goodman helps address youth homelessness with Haven House project

• $1.5 million pledge for a homeless youth shelter providing long-term accommodation
• Apartment building for homeless young people in Goodman’s heartland of South Sydney
• Major collaboration with Property Industry Foundation (PIF), Homes NSW, The Salvation Army, and property and construction organisations.

As providers of essential infrastructure, Goodman recognises the need for shelter for vulnerable young people. With 46,000 young people across Australia experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, Goodman has contributed $1.5 million to an innovative housing project in the company’s heartland of South Sydney. Joining forces with PIF, Homes NSW, City of Sydney, The Salvation Army and industry groups, Haven House South Dowling will increase the availability of long-term accommodation for young people in need. 

The investment in Haven House South Dowling is testament to Goodman’s continued commitment in communities, properties and infrastructure in the local area and beyond. Since Goodman’s first property investment in South Sydney in the early 1990s, the company now owns 47 assets in the area; and continues to provide much needed funds to address community social issues in this area.

Haven House South Dowling

Located on South Dowling Street, Surry Hills, the development will be managed by The Salvation Army, and will deliver an apartment building dedicated to young people aged 16 to 24 experiencing homelessness in central Sydney. 
Designed as a beautiful transformative space, with 10 apartments (19 bedrooms in total), the building will provide communal support areas, training and life skills spaces, as well as outdoor gardens.

In addition to providing safe and stable accommodation, Haven House South Dowling will give young people the support they need to help break the cycle of homelessness. Residents will have access to expertise across services including health, mental health, crisis support, and allied health and welfare by the Salvation Army.

Kris Ashpole, CEO, Goodman Foundation said 

Our focus is to provide tangible, and sustainable solutions for people experiencing disadvantage and hardship. As suppliers of essential infrastructure, we’re well placed to help deliver solutions for youth homelessness. Providing the wholistic support needed to break the cycle is crucial to allow people to flourish. Through this project, and with the assistance of the partners involved, we hope to enable long term positive change for residents

Together with Goodman’s $1.5 million donation, Haven House has been made possible through a $3 million grant from Homes NSW, discounted rent from City of Sydney, and donations or pro bono support from the property and construction industry.

Kate Mills, CEO of the Property Industry Foundation said

We’re proud to partner with the Goodman Foundation on this critical project which demonstrates the tangible impact cross-industry, cross-sector collaboration can have. Together, we are continuing to support young homeless people in Sydney to enable them to rebuild their lives.

 
Construction of the 799 sqm residential development is expected to begin in the first half of 2025, and complete by the end of 2026. Upon completion, The Salvation Army will manage the facility, including responsive case management to help young people sustain their tenancies, pursue employment, education, or training, and achieve positive health outcomes.

To read more about Goodman’s work in addressing homelessness, support of women and children escaping domestic violence, and helping young people, click here.