Social & Community Housing

Social and Community Housing plays a vital role in addressing social and economic challenges by providing secure, affordable, and thoughtfully managed homes for individuals and families on low to moderate incomes.

By offering stability and support, we help create stronger, more inclusive communities and improve the quality of life for those who need it most.

Social Housing is a term that encompasses rental housing designed to meet the needs of individuals and families on low to moderate incomes, particularly those experiencing rental stress in the private market, including:

Public Housing
Owned and managed by the state (for example, Housing NSW).

Community Housing
Owned or managed by community housing organisations like Homes North.

Aboriginal Housing
Owned or managed by the Aboriginal Housing Office.

Social Housing provides a vital safety net, offering affordable, stable housing options for those who need it most.

Community Housing offers a meaningful alternative to public housing, providing secure and affordable rental options through not-for-profit Community Housing Providers (CHPs). These organisations are overseen by professional boards and place a strong emphasis on fostering tenant and community participation.

Homes North is proud to be a Class 1 CHP, a designation under the Regulatory Code for Community Housing Providers that identifies us as a growth provider. This classification reflects our:

• Management of a substantial portfolio of properties.
• Leadership in developing new community housing projects.
• Effective use of private sector funds and investment to expand affordable housing options.

At Homes North, we are committed to delivering high-quality housing solutions while actively supporting and engaging with the communities we serve.

To qualify for Social Housing in New South Wales (NSW), applicants must meet the following criteria:

Residency
Be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency

Location
Reside in NSW

Identity Verification
Provide proof of identity.

Income Limits
Have a household income within the specified eligibility limits.

Asset Ownership
Not own assets or property that could reasonably address their housing needs.

Tenancy Capability
Be able to sustain a successful tenancy, with or without support.

Outstanding Debts
If applicable, make repayments for any previous debts to a Social Housing provider.

Age Requirement
Be at least 18 years of age in most cases.

These criteria ensure that Social Housing is available to those who need it most. For more details on eligibility or to apply, contact us today.

Social Housing applications in NSW are streamlined through the Housing Pathways system, offering a simplified and unified process for applicants.

Single Application Process
Applicants complete one application form to apply for properties managed by both Housing NSW and community housing providers.

Consistent Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for Social Housing is assessed once, using the same criteria across all providers.

Statewide Waiting List
Housing Pathways operates a single waiting list across NSW. Applicants can choose to be housed by Housing NSW, a community housing provider, or both—potentially increasing their chances of being housed.

Convenient Access
Applications, updates, and enquiries can be made at any participating community housing provider or local Housing NSW office, ensuring accessibility and convenience.

For more information about the application process visit How to Apply for Social & Community Housing.

Waiting times for Social Housing vary significantly based on the allocation zone selected by applicants during the application process. These times are also influenced by the number of people approved for priority housing, who are given precedence on the waiting list.

To improve your chances of being allocated a home more quickly, it is recommended you request to be housed by both Housing NSW or a community housing provider to increase housing options and flexibility.

For more information on allocation zones and priority housing, contact Homes North’s Armidale (6772 5133) or Tamworth (6766 6897) office.

Homes North is a leading Community Housing Provider offering a wide range of housing options to meet the diverse needs of our community in the New England North West region.

Our housing portfolio includes:

Units
One, two, and three-bedroom options.

Houses
Two, three, and four-bedroom family homes.

Transitional Housing
For individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, with a focus on youth and those affected by domestic and family violence (DFV).

Disability Group Homes
Tailored housing for individuals with disabilities.

Affordable Rental Accommodation
Quality homes for low to moderate-income earners.

Employment/Education Related Accommodation
Dedicated housing for Aboriginal clients pursuing work or education opportunities.

At Homes North, we are committed to providing secure, affordable, and inclusive housing solutions that empower our tenants and strengthen our communities.

At Homes North, we recognise the importance of providing additional support to individuals with special or complex needs to help them maintain a successful tenancy. Through our partnerships with specialist services, we connect tenants with professional support that meets their unique requirements. We support a diverse range of individuals, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• women and families escaping domestic violence
• people with physical disabilities or health conditions
• individuals living with mental health challenges
• seniors
• young people at risk of homelessness
• refugees and asylum seekers
• people transitioning from the criminal justice system.

Tenants with support needs are identified during the application process for Social Housing, either directly by the tenant or through referral by a support agency. Homes North employs Tenancy Specialists who are trained to assess and assist tenants with special or complex needs. These specialists work to connect tenants with appropriate support services, offer intervention, and provide advocacy and case coordination to enhance quality of life and sustain tenancies.

We are dedicated to ensuring that all tenants, regardless of their circumstances, have the support they need to thrive in their homes and communities.