What began in 2012 as Amelie Housing, now referred to as SVDP Society Housing (often called Vinnies Housing), this special work was established as a community housing provider to support the Society's work in ending and preventing homelessness, and supporting those experiencing hardship. 

This project connects Conference members with Vinnies Housing residents in their local area, with the aim to address social isolation and loneliness and assist in building strong interpersonal connections within both the housing and broader community.

SVDP Society Housing is actively working with other organisations to improve the availability of housing for people experiencing hardship and is a core focus of the Strategic Plan, 2024-28, and social justice priority. 

Housing stress, and the systemic poverty that can arise from it, is a growing problem in our community with Members seeing more and more people affected every day.

Watch this video to find out more about the importance of Social Housing:

Conference members engage with the residents in collaboration with Housing team members at properties owned or managed by Vinnies Housing. Members offer a hand of friendship to people who might be experiencing isolation, loneliness, or simply want to get more connected with their neighbours. 

Residents can of course contact their local Conferences, but for Vinnies Housing residents, this initiative goes beyond the work Members would typically be involved in. It's an opportunity to reach out and make a difference in the lives of people from our Vinnies Housing community. 

Existing Conferences can incorporate resident engagement activities into their regular work. Alternatively, new Conferences can be established to specifically support a group of residents.

Several Conferences have already engaged with residents. Read more in these stories here:

• Conference Members join together to share Christmas Spirit with Housing Residents
• Special Buddies Day Event for Families
• Building Community through Fresh Bread Deliveries
• Sharing the Christmas spirit with Housing Residents
• Member Engagement with Vinnies Housing residents in Merrylands

Members could engage in a range of activities, including BBQs, morning/ afternoon teas, gardening, special occasion celebrations like Christmas and Easter, or children's activities. Through this engagement, Members find Christ in the poor and follow Him through service to those in need.

If your Conference is interested in getting involved, email kate.scholl@vinnies.org.au and/or have a chat with your local Member and Community Engagement Coordinator.