The first dedicated community housing project for highly vulnerable transgender women will take shape in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst as the City of Sydney sells seven properties at a significant discount to a housing cooperative.
The landmark initiative will see Common Equity New South Wales collaborate with All Nations Housing Co-operative to create affordable housing options for transgender women, a group often marginalised and at high risk of homelessness.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore expressed pride in the Council’s ability to provide safe and affordable housing for this community, emphasising their need to feel confident and accepted in society.
Social worker Aurora Green, who is also transgender, highlighted the difficulties transgender people encounter when seeking housing because of discrepancies in their documentation. She elaborated that despite legal protections against gender-based discrimination, conflicting information in electronic applications often results in rejection, providing minimal safeguarding.
A dedicated housing service would alleviate these hurdles and foster community and understanding.
Under the council’s excess land program, unused or underutilised properties are identified and sold to organisations working to provide housing for those in need. The proceeds from these sales will be channelled back into the city’s affordable and diverse housing fund, supporting future housing projects and addressing Sydney’s homelessness crisis and tight rental market.
In addition to the Darlinghurst project, the Council is also selling two properties in the upscale Potts Point neighbourhood to the B Miles Women’s Foundation, catering to women with complex needs. This comprehensive approach underscores the city’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable housing solutions for all vulnerable groups.
Published 12-May-2024
![Tower Ad](https://brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au/images/thenewtv-tower-ad.gif")
