The Supported Accommodation Program supports people who live in NSW, are HIV positive, need somewhere to live and are referred by a support service. People must be willing to engage with support services to be accepted into the program.
The aim of the program is to provide some housing stability for people who want to focus on creating stability in other areas of their life. These often include longer term housing, engaging with health and support services, settling into the area, coming to terms with a new HIV diagnosis, working on more positive approaches to addictions and developing a positive social network.
To be eligible people need to be HIV positive and have other health or social challenges that can often lead to homelessness or a risk of homelessness, e.g. having spent time in prison, a drug or alcohol dependency or experiencing a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and schizophrenia.
There are different housing options and support services available to suit people's different needs. People often move from one part of the program to another as their needs change or as more opportunities open up to them.
Stanford House is a share house with single bedrooms and on-site staff, for people who want somewhere stable for up to three months so they can focus on other areas of their life, including longer term housing options.
It is also available for respite if people need a break from where they are living, or live out of the area and need medical care in Sydney.
Staff are present for several hours each day to help motivate residents to work towards their longer term goals and attend medical and other appointments. For longer term residents, case managers from other services (either an HIV Community Team or someone a client is already linked with) meet clients and Stanford House staff regularly.
Note: Residents are not allowed to be intoxicated, smoke or have visitors at Stanford House. This is for the safety of all residents and staff.
Located in inner Sydney local government areas these one bedroom, 18 month leases are for people who want case management support to learn how to manage a successful tenancy and create stability in other areas of their life. They remain engaged with their case manager throughout the length of their tenancy.
Clients sign a tenancy agreement with the community housing provider which then gives them the rights and responsibilities of a tenant.
This is a 24-hour residential nursing facility for people with a diagnosed HIV cognitive impairment. Services include nursing care, social work support, occupational therapy and diversional therapy.
This is single bedroom shared home for people with an HIV related cognitive impairment who need support to be able to live independently. Each resident is visited by suitable services that help them with activities such as cooking, shopping and cleaning. Residents sign a tenancy agreement with the community housing provider which awards them the rights and responsibilities of a tenant. There is no time limit on people's stay here - people live here until it no longer suits their needs.
The social housing waiting list is a centralised register that gives people on the list access to all public and community housing providers' vacant properties. Applicants are assessed as general or priority, depending on their level of vulnerability and need. The Housing Support Officer (see later for details) will help people make strong applications to improve their chances of being assessed as priority.
Client support staff should complete the relevant referral form and return it to the Supported Accommodation Co-ordinator. We contact referrers for more information about your client's current situation, such as what supports are already in place, how to refer to an HIV Community Team (SESLHD HIV Outreach Team or Positive Central) if necessary and to discuss the most appropriate accommodation for your client.
Once assessed as eligible and suitable for the Supported Accommodation Program, people will wait for a vacancy to occur at an appropriate facility. The decision about who will be offered the limited places is made by an allocation panel of people from various support and housing services within the program.
If you want to be added to the mailing list for vacancies in the program, email the Supported Accommodation Co-ordinator with your details.
The Haymarket Centre has a stabilisation unit accommodates and supports people who are HIV positive, homeless, have a current alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependence and one other complex need. HIV Community Teams from Sydney and South Eastern Sydney Local Health Districts provide case management. The BGF AOD Senior Caseworker provides care co-ordination, support and assistance to find suitable housing to all clients of the program. This support continues when they move out into the community.
To make a referral call Adahps on 9382 8600.
If you have a client who needs accommodation but doesn't want to live in Sydney, even for the short term, contact the Supported Accommodation Coordinator who may be able to identify non HIV specific programs and options. This can include visiting and working with services and housing providers throughout NSW to improve access to available housing programs.
HIV Supported Accommodation ProgramPh: 9332 9752Email Co-ordinator
