Ministers open new Homelessness centre
Homelessness service born on the streets, escapes its own housing crisis
The Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services and Member for Sydney, the Hon. Rose Jackson MP, NSW Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Mental Health, the Rt Hon. Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney, the Hon. Alex Greenwich MP, lead the official opening of the new Haymarket Foundation centre last week.
The inner-city Specialist Homelessness Service escaped its own housing crisis, thanks to an exceptional cross-sector collaboration between all three levels of government, community housing provider Bridge Housing and private real estate company Lendlease.
The $22 million project will see the Haymarket Foundation relocate from the uncertainty of a commercial rental with ageing shared dormitories and inaccessible communal bathrooms to:
35 self-contained studios plus shared, outdoor and office spaces, providing dignity and supported accommodation for vulnerable community members.
- 16 crisis rooms for women impacted by domestic violence, supporting those with complex needs who cannot access other programs.
- 19 general crisis rooms for people with complex needs who cannot access other programs, including 4 rooms for people with HIV in partnership with South Eastern Sydney LHD.
As the National Housing Infrastructure Facility – Crisis and Transitional’ s first completed project, it safeguards Haymarket’s support of people facing homelessness with complex needs, including severe mental health challenges, trauma, addiction, disability and chronic illness.
Bridge Housing and The Haymarket Foundation’s unified approach secured funding through Housing Australia, Homes NSW, City of Sydney and corporate partner Lendlease FutureSteps, enabling Bridge to acquire and upgrade the property.
A service born on the streets is now secure for the future
Founded in the 1974 by two young doctors running a mobile clinic from a green van, the Haymarket Foundation is a critical part of Sydney’s homelessness response, delivering trauma-informed care and crisis accommodation for people often turned away elsewhere.
With demand continuing to rise, the service needed a new home for its clients at immediate risk.
Funding at a glance
- Housing Australia: $10M contribution towards acquisition and fit-out
- Homes NSW: $5M contribution to support acquisition and ensure the continued operation of the service
- City of Sydney: $3M following a unanimous Council vote
- Bridge Housing: $3M Acquisition and refurbishment, finance liaison and working capital support
- Corporate partner: $1M Lendlease FutureSteps is providing funding for the premises and a dedicated support worker.
For people who rely on the service, the impact is deeply personal.
Georgia, former Haymarket Foundation client said:
“Haymarket was the starting point for my return to the community. The moral support I received there was just as important as any practical help. It gave me the confidence to start rebuilding my life”.
The Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, Federal Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Cities, said:
“The Albanese Government is backing organisations like the Haymarket Foundation that help people get a safe place to stay in a time of crisis. It’s why we’re investing $10 million through the Housing Australia Future Fund Crisis and Transitional program to deliver more homes for people when they need them most.”
The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services and Member for Sydney, said: “Too often we ask, “why didn’t she leave?” instead of asking, “where would she go?”
“Housing like this plays a critical role in providing a safe, welcoming place for women escaping violence to rebuild their lives.”
“The Haymarket Foundation has always been known for the compassion and dignity they show everyone who walks through their doors, and we’re proud to be backing their work.”
The Hon. Rose Jackson MP, NSW Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Mental Health:
“This project is about making sure the Haymarket Foundation can keep doing what they do best, supporting people who have nowhere else to go.”
“For decades, they’ve been there for people who are often turned away elsewhere. Giving them a permanent home means they can keep helping people get back on their feet, with the stability and assurance they need to do it properly.”
“This is what it looks like when government backs services that work, partnering with community housing and not-for-profits to support people doing it tough to make sure no one falls through the cracks.”
The Rt Hon. Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney said:
“In a city as wealthy as Sydney, large numbers of people are without a bed to sleep in or a safe place to call home is unacceptable,”
“We’re so proud to support Bridge Housing and the Haymarket Foundation’s important work, providing local crisis accommodation to people at risk of homelessness that other services struggle to help – including people with multiple mental health needs, drug and alcohol issues, trauma, disability and HIV.”
“These beds are especially crucial given the pressure public mental health services are under and the lack of options for people who are not Australian residents and will provide a stable stepping stone to long-term housing.”
Scott Langford, CEO of Housing Australia:
“This project shows how collective effort across all levels of government, community housing providers and corporate partners can deliver safe, specialist housing for women and others with complex needs- and Housing Australia is proud to be part of delivering housing solutions that truly make a difference.”
Gowan Vyse, CEO of the Haymarket Foundation, said the new home secures the organisation’s future:
“This is a powerful example of what’s possible when we put people first. We cannot let the most vulnerable people fall through the cracks. This new location gives us the chance to expand our lifesaving work, treating people with dignity and respect.”
Simone Parsons, COO of Bridge Housing, said the project reflects Bridge’s core mission:
“Our commitment to housing people in crisis is unwavering. The Haymarket Foundation offers the care, compassion and inclusivity needed to support those with complex needs. Many of our tenants have sustained their homes thanks to their support. This partnership proves that we can create lasting change when government, business and community come together.”
Private sector support has also been critical to the project’s success. Claire Johnston, CEO Development, Lendlease said: “Everyone deserves the security of a safe and stable home. By supporting this project, we’re helping people facing some of the toughest circumstances access the foundation they need to rebuild their lives.
Through the Haymarket Foundation’s specialist support model and Bridge Housing’s community‑focused housing expertise, this partnership demonstrates the impact that genuine cross‑sector collaboration can deliver. Our contribution – both funding and practical support through FutureSteps Social Impact fund – has helped bring this powerful partnership to life and respond to critical community needs.”