SSI’s housing partners thanked for critical support

Close to 70 people gathered at Fairfield RSL on Nov ember 25, to eat, drink and put faces to names while networking and catching up with colleagues.

They also enjoyed performances by Cabramatta High School Intensive English Centre band, Evan and the Cabramatta Groovies, as well as Indian classical dancer, Aruna Gandhi.

SSI Housing Services provides short and long-term accommodation for refugees settling in NSW.

SSI also supports people seeking asylum with emergency and transitional accommodation, and helps those recipients to source and secure independent accommodation.

The most recent addition to the Housing portfolio is a self-funded initiative that provides short-term crisis accommodation for people at risk of homelessness. The service is available to anyone, not just clients of SSI.

Kaneez Fatimah, currently in crisis accommodation, shared her story with guests.

Ms Kaneez had recently endured a marriage breakdown and was now a single mother caring for four children. With her limited income, she couldn’t continue to stay in her home and was at risk of homelessness.

Ms Kaneez told guests how grateful she was for the support that SSI had been giving her.

“SSI not only provide a furnished house close to public transport and other amenities, but give ongoing support to me and my family, including food donations,” she said.

Acting Manager, Housing Services, Charles Rich welcomed the guests and said that their support was critical in ensuring that newly arrived refugees and people seeking asylum had a place to call home.

“Your support also ensures that the very real risk of homelessness among our clients does not increase,” Mr Rich said.

The night was enjoyed by all, and agencies were presented with certificates of appreciation.