Construction is officially underway on New Generation Catherine House, a purpose-built accommodation facility that will transform how women experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence and trauma are supported in South Australia.
Delivered in partnership between Catherine House and Housing Choices South Australia – both part of the Housing Choices Australia Group -the project will deliver 52 new apartments and a dedicated Women’s Centre offering trauma-informed recovery, education, wellbeing and training programs under one roof.
The $36 million project is supported through a combination of Federal and State funding, debt and philanthropic support. Contributions have been made from Housing Australia, the Department of Social Services, SA Housing Authority, and Catherine House donors, with land and equity support from Housing Choices Australia. A funding snapshot is provided below.
The milestone was marked by a sod-turning ceremony and celebration that brought together representatives from all levels of government, project partners, donors and supporters to celebrate the start of construction on the landmark initiative.
“Each month, Catherine House receives 180 self-referrals and 40 agency referrals, with over 60% of enquiries linked to domestic and family violence. The New Generation Catherine House will provide more women including infants and children with vital access to crisis accommodation and recovery-focused services, highlighting the critical role this facility plays in supporting our most vulnerable,” said Julie Duncan, Director Catherine House and Supportive Housing, Housing Choices Australia.
“Thanks to our funding partners, supporters, donors, and the strong collaboration between Catherine House and Housing Choices Australia, this new facility will provide safe accommodation, a holistic model of care that will support women to recover, find stable housing and build a life,” Ms Duncan added.
For more than 37 years, Catherine House has provided crisis, longer term accommodation and support services for women in South Australia. Replacing ageing facilities and consolidating operations into a single site, the New Generation Catherine House will include 20 crisis accommodation dwellings, 32 social housing apartments, and a dedicated Women’s Centre. The integrated design will improve operational efficiencies and strengthen coordination between housing, mental health, education, and employment support programs – all delivered within a safe and trauma informed care environment
Built by Hindmarsh Constructions, a leading Australian construction company the project is expected to be completed in early 2027.
Funding snapshot
- Housing Australia: $3.7M concessional loan and $16.13m in availability payments over 25 years
- Department of Social Services: $8 million
- SA Housing Authority (Community Housing Accelerator Fund): $14.4 million
- Housing Choices South Australia (land equity): $2.5 million
- Catherine House philanthropy: $3.8 million
- Housing Australia AHBA debt: $4.2 million
About Catherine House
Catherine House provides crisis, longer-term accommodation, and support services to women experiencing homelessness in South Australia. As South Australia’s only homelessness and recovery service for women, Catherine House deals with the immediate issues created by homelessness and assists women in planning a future that helps them sustain housing, education, employment, and financial security.
Catherine House aims to end homelessness for every woman who takes the brave steps to walk though their doors. In 2021, Catherine House came together with the Housing Choices Group to provide more housing pathways and opportunities for women experiencing homelessness.
About Housing Choices South Australia
Housing Choices South Australia (part of the Housing Choices Australia Group) is a Tier 1 community housing provider that develops and manages high quality, accessible social and affordable housing for people on lower incomes and people with disability. Housing Choices South Australia delivers housing and support services across the state, including homelessness services at Common Ground Adelaide and Catherine House.
For media enquiries contact
Catherine House
Jaylee Cooper, Manager Philanthropy and Engagement |0403 322 703
Housing Choices Australia
Preet Daga, Group Communications Manager| 0430 555 241
