Opportunity knocks
Nearly 40 disadvantaged young people will now have a safe place to sleep and access to jobs through a unique social housing collaboration between the City of Sydney, the Property Industry Foundation and The Salvation Army's Oasis Youth Support Network (Oasis). The city-owned previous medical centre in Redfern has been transformed into PIF House, an eight-bedroom social housing development, joining the key needs of employment and accommodation.
At the official opening of PIF House on June 27, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said, “PIF House is testament to the great work that can be achieved when councils, charities and the corporate sector work together to address real need with genuine, long-term solutions.
“Some of the young people who will be living at PIF House had jobs, but sadly, were forced to live on the streets because they couldn’t afford the bond, rent and other expenses that go with finding an apartment or house. This project is helping them secure a brighter future.”
Sydney City Council and the Property Industry Foundation spent $500,000 refurbishing the building and Oasis will operate the new service, providing support for the young people with caseworkers, employment coaching and by engaging two live-in mentors.
Major Robbin Moulds (AM ), Director Oasis, said residents of PIF House would be participating in the Oasis Pathways Program to help prepare them for employment and a life beyond Oasis.
“To date we have had 20 young people go through the program,” Major Moulds said, “Oasis is working with some of the toughest kids who have had a lot of generational family breakdown and endured or suffered trauma, so it’s a big step to all of a sudden gain work and step into a company – it’s quite overwhelming for them. We want for them to experience community and the sense of stability while that are taking these first steps.”
The home has eight bedrooms in total, plus lounge and dining areas and a modern kitchen. It also features an activity room and an outdoor area. The new service is expected to cater for up to 40 young people over the next five years. All young people accepted to live at PIF House are required to participate in the Oasis Pathways Program and the house will be used as a transition to provide them with stability whilst they source their own long-term accommodation.
Photo supplied by Oasis Youth Support Network.
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