Jewish House supports launch of landmark housing initiative in Sydney’s Inner West

Jewish House has played a leading role in the launch of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest “meanwhile use” housing initiative in Sydney’s Inner West, a landmark project that will provide more than 36,500 safe nights a year for people experiencing homelessness.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with the NSW Government, TOGA Group, Women’s Community Shelters, Housing All Australians and FDC Construction & Fitout, has transformed an unused Ashfield site into urgently needed supported accommodation for individuals and families in crisis.

 

Officially opened on Wednesday, 29 October, by NSW Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health and Youth Rose Jackson, the Inner West Project has converted an 8,000-square-metre site into temporary and transitional housing for more than 100 adults and children each night. The project is backed by the NSW Government through the Homelessness Innovation Fund.

The “meanwhile use” model activates vacant or underused buildings for social good while longer-term development plans are still in progress. In this case, TOGA Group has made its Ashfield property available so the site can immediately provide housing and support rather than sit idle.

Under the partnership, TOGA provided the site while community and business partners coordinated construction, fit-out and service delivery. Jewish House and Women’s Community Shelters will operate the frontline support, offering safe, supported accommodation to individuals and families at risk.

Jewish House will provide more than 50 well-designed rooms for men experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Its program offers trauma-informed case management, professional counseling, employment assistance and access to food and essentials to help residents regain stability and independence.

Rabbi Mendel Kastel, CEO of Jewish House, said the initiative meets a critical and growing need.

“Every night, too many people in NSW face the prospect of sleeping rough or without safety,” Rabbi Kastel said. “The Inner West Project directly addresses this range of pressures by providing immediate, safe and supported accommodation for many groups. In doing so, it eases the strain on overwhelmed homelessness services while giving individuals and families the stability they need to begin rebuilding their lives.”

He said the Jewish House model focuses on early intervention and holistic support at times of crisis.

“In 2024/25, Jewish House housed 1,426 men, women and children across eight locations. Our model emphasises early intervention and holistic care. Through our 24/7 Crisis Call Line, people can access psychologists, counsellors, a mental health nurse and an occupational therapist, while on-site psychosocial case managers provide tailored, one-on-one support,” he explained.

“Residents also have access to our Jobs Programme, life-skills and resilience workshops, and advocacy to help secure long-term housing, education and employment opportunities. By working closely with local health, justice and community services, we ensure every person is supported to reintegrate positively into the community and rebuild confidence to engage with life in a meaningful way.”

Minister Jackson said the project demonstrates how collaboration can deliver rapid, effective housing responses.

“A shift in someone’s housing situation can happen with little warning. Supported, temporary accommodation gives people the safety net they need to get back on their feet,” she said. “This is the largest ‘meanwhile use’ housing initiative in the Southern Hemisphere, and it’s only possible because of a united partnership between the NSW Government, community organisations and the private sector. Together, we’re delivering over 36,500 safe nights a year for people who need them most.”

The project also features services run by Women’s Community Shelters, offering short-term and longer-term accommodation for women, children and transgender people. Together, these efforts reflect a new model of partnership across sectors, turning unused urban spaces into places of safety, care and hope.

Impactful numbers:
– Over 100 beds
– 36,500 Safe Nights,
– 8,000m² Repurposed,
– 40-60 Kids expected for Christmas