Frequently Asked Questions: New Supported Temporary Accommodation Service for Women in Swansea

We understand that changes in your neighbourhood may raise questions. We want to take this opportunity to provide clarity about the work we do, our values, and our commitment to child and community safety. We work tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including young people and families facing homelessness. Below are some answers to common queries you might have about the new service.  

Thank you for welcoming this important initiative into your community. Together, we can provide safety, dignity, and hope to those who need it most. 

Q. What is the new service? 

This is a safe, supported accommodation facility for women experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It offers more than just a place to stay, residents will receive individual case management and wraparound support to help them move towards stable, long-term housing. 

Q. Is this a crisis shelter? 

No, this is not a crisis shelter or walk-in service. It is a referral-based supported accommodation service where each resident is assessed for suitability and supported with structured case management. 

Q. Who will be staying at the premises? 

The service will support: 

These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community, often facing housing insecurity through no fault of their own. 

Q. How many people will the facility accommodate? 

The redeveloped facility includes 32 secure rooms, each designed to support the privacy, dignity, and safety of residents. 

The capacity the facility will house will change and will be dependent on appropriate referrals received. We can and will scale up or down the number of residents at any one time, dependent on the capacity required to work with each person.

Q. What kinds of support do the residents receive? 

The goal is to help each woman transition into stable housing and regain independence. Each resident receives individual case management and access to services like: 

Q. Will the facility be staffed? 

Yes. The service will be staffed seven days a week by two support workers and a dedicated case manager. In addition, after-hours on-call support will be available to residents to ensure 24/7 assistance. 

Our local Member conference will also be onsite supporting each week (exact hours to be determined). We additionally work closely with other specialist services in the area who will attend site for coordinated support for people we assist. We will likely also undertake a volunteer recruitment to add additional practical support.

Q. Will there always be supervision on-site? 

The facility is staffed 7am-7pm, 7 days a week, by trained support workers and a case manager, with after-hours on-call staff available 24/7. This ensures appropriate supervision and swift responses to any issues, though these are rare in such services. 

Q. Is the ratio of staff to residents adequate? 

We have extensive experience in delivering homelessness services across New South Wales and have based this staffing on similar models. We acknowledge every site is unique and will scale up or down the number of residents depending on support needs. 

Q. Will this affect safety in the neighbourhood? 

No. The facility is secure and professionally managed, and the residents are women in need of stability and support, not individuals who pose a risk to others.  

Residents are selected based on eligibility and need, many have simply fallen on hard times and are seeking a safe place to rebuild. The service is designed to be a calm, respectful, and safe environment for both residents and the broader community. 

Q. The facility is next to a primary school - is it safe for children? 

Yes. The safety of both residents and the surrounding community is our priority. At no time will we not be onsite within school hours.

The service is: 

Q. Will there be any impact on school operations or children’s daily routines? 

No. The facility will operate quietly and respectfully, with no disruption to school operations, pick-up/drop-off routines, or playground activities.  

Q. Will schoolchildren come into contact with residents? 

The facility has its own secure entrance and exit and is self-contained. We are working with the school to arrange new and appropriate privacy fencing between the two properties. However, just like any other neighbour, some casual and friendly interaction may naturally occur, similar to any residential community. 

We understand that the proximity to the school may prompt questions, and we are keen to maintain an open and transparent relationship. We'd also be delighted to explore ways the school community might connect with or support the women accessing the service, whether through donation drives, community projects, or educational activities that build compassion and awareness. 

Q. How will the service handle any incidents or concerns? 

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has clear procedures and professional protocols in place to manage incidents. In the rare event that concerns arise, the service will respond promptly and work cooperatively with local stakeholders, including the school if needed. 

Q. Why was this location chosen? 

We are beyond grateful to have been gifted this former aged care facility by the Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar. It is rare to receive a building that is already well-suited to residential accommodation and located within an established community close to services and public transport. 

We are currently in the midst of a housing crisis, and the need for safe, supported accommodation has never been greater, especially for older women. 

This gift is an opportunity to change lives. By opening this facility, we can help vulnerable women, provide stability in a time of crisis, and support their journey toward long-term housing.