In a significant strategic shift, the New South Wales peak body supporting the faith housing sector has rebranded as Faith Housing Australia, reflecting its expanded membership and advocacy.
CEO Rose Thomson highlighted the organisation’s rapid growth: “Our membership has seen a remarkable expansion, particularly over the past year, with many of our member organisations operating nationally to provide housing to communities across Australia.”
Thomson noted that these members collectively provide more than 15,000 homes, ranging from crisis and specialist housing to an increasing number of social and affordable rental homes for people on low-incomes. “This support extends to over 33,000 people experiencing homelessness each year,” she added.
In response to the deepening housing crisis, Faith Housing Australia is positioning itself to support members’ strategic growth to rapidly increase housing supply. “To represent our members effectively, our advocacy must span all levels of government,” Thomson said. “Critical levers to reform Australia’s broken housing system are in the hands of federal, state, and local governments and require coordination to address our national housing and human rights emergency meaningfully.”
Chair Rob Stokes emphasised the potential impact of a strengthened faith housing sector: “Our members stand ready to help. They have an impressive track record of supplying housing and services to people in need over centuries. Many have well-located land that could be unlocked to deliver housing alongside critical social infrastructure such as churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues.”
Beyond contributing to housing supply, Stokes highlighted other unique assets that faith-based organisations bring to the table, including more than 40,000 volunteers who are transforming communities. “Effective national representation can harness these efforts and build the capacity of faith groups across Australia. This won’t diminish our focus in NSW but will help multiply the impact of our members’ efforts to increase housing supply,” he said.
About Faith Housing Australia
Faith Housing Australia is the peak body supporting the faith housing sector. Its members, drawn from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and other faith traditions, are united by a commitment to social justice, compassion, respect, and integrity.
The faith housing sector includes:
- Faith-based organisations, including Community Housing Providers and Specialist Homelessness Services, many of whom have been supporting the community for centuries.
- Professional support organisations, including architects and planners, along with individuals and foundations committed to housing justice.
- Places of worship across all faiths that aim to use their land for housing justice.
- Faith leaders of all denominations and religions who view housing as a critical component of social justice.
Faith Housing Australia is dedicated to partnering with governments to address the urgent need for more housing, particularly social housing, affordable rental housing, and the vital wrap-around supports needed to sustain tenancies and break the cycle of homelessness.
fha.org.au
Media contact: Amanda Bailey on 0429484632 or amanda@fha.org.au
Rob Stokes and Rose Thomson are available for interview.
