Dignity opens Ready to Work Housing in Campbelltown to tackle homelessness in Macarthur

Jamie was sleeping in his car, but now has a roof over his head and stable employment thanks to a novel approach to tackling homelessness that offers so much more than a place to stay.

A new block of units in southwest Sydney has been built to help tackle homelessness in the region, but it’s not only about giving those in need a roof over their head.

Australian charity Dignity has built the block of 22 studio units in Campbelltown as part of their Ready to Work housing initiative.

People in the region who have been sleeping rough can live in the unit for up to 12 months, plus they are found employment, and given the tools and resources to assist them in starting a new job.

Data from the 2016 census showed that 928 people were homeless in Campbelltown, which was a 44 per cent increase from the 2011 figures.

One face that made up that statistic, and one of the very first residents to be placed in the unit block, is Jamie.

He was homeless and sleeping in his car when he called Link2Home and was put in touch with Dignity at Ingleburn.

When Jamie arrived at Dignity, he said that he couldn’t believe he was being given this opportunity for a second chance, and summed up the opportunity to be a participant of Ready To Work as “amazing”.

“I was living in my car, I had nowhere to go,” he said.

“Dignity has not only helped get me out of my car and off the streets, they’ve helped me get back into work and that means a lot.

“The support that they’ve given me, and this program is amazing and I love my job. Each day I’m so excited about going to work.”

A shot of one of the new 22 units in Campbelltown aiming to help tackle homelessness.

Jamie said since moving into the unit blocks he feels “safe and settled”, and it’s helped his mental health improve.

“I hope to spread the word and help others to help themselves and to gain my own private rental at the end of the Dignity journey and gain full time employment,” he said.

How the program works

Dignity CEO and Founder Suzanne Hopman said the organisation’s mission was focused on preventing, responding to, and ending homeless in not only Macarthur but Australia-wide.

While it is no small task, the charity have multiple programs in place to tackle the different issues including, emergency crisis accommodation, food and clothing supplies, and support programs.

“Our latest baby that we are so proud of is our Ready to Work housing program,” Ms Hopman said.

“Rental affordability in the area is a huge problem.

“This program is for people who want to be able to work, but how can you work when you have no safe place to stay or a stable place to live.”

The Dressing Room provides participants with clothes for interviews and jobs.

Dignity have opened 22 brand new studio units in Campbelltown which also includes common areas to encourage a sense of community.

“It’s hard enough starting a new job, but if you are feeling isolated, alone and you are homeless then it can feel impossible,” she said.

“We want to take as many stresses as possible to empower them and make a sustainable difference.

“We have identified for many years that this has been a need, but a collaboration was needed to get it off the ground. The real planning has been in the works for the last six months.”

Ms Hopman explained the organisation provides the residents with food, clothing, and shelter for up to 12 months and also works with partner organisations to line up employment.

Kieron Ritchard Dignity Chair, Suzanne Hopman Dignity CEO, Campbelltown Deputy Mayor at the opening of the new units.

“This takes away the barriers to people experiencing homelessness to enter the workforce and maintain a job,” she said.

“In addition to receiving training, residents are also provided with everything they need to be work ready so the Commonwealth Bank’s Community Grant has been really great and provides fuel vouchers for residents to travel to work, and Opal cards for those catching public transport.

“We are also able to provide other equipment and access to technology.”