Vincentians have opened and blessed 94 houses in Cardiff, New South Wales (NSW) Australia. This is the last batch of the 500 houses built by the St Vincent de Paul Society and the local government, a project which is part of the “13 Houses” Campaign.

The Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) is a joint initiative between St Vincent de Paul Housing, the housing branch of the SSVP, and the NSW government. SAFH offers both social housing and affordable rent for different kinds of families and individuals, in blocks of flats or detached houses. It provides tenants with long term security and links the rent to the beneficiary’s income.

The Most Rev. William Wright, bishop of Maitland- Newcastle, blessed the new houses. The project also carries the “13 Houses” plaque with St Vincent’s effigy, a symbol that ties the project to  this worldwide Vincentian effort.

“People who move into these modern apartments will not only have a place to call home, but access to services and support to help them improve their health and general wellbeing.” Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said

These 500 houses in Australia helped the “13 Houses” Campaign to reach the halfway mark to house 10,000 people all over the world.

Source: Vincentian Homeless Alliance