Vacancy Program — making a real difference
The SA Housing Trust's Vacancy Program continues to transform lives by matching available properties to tenants who need them most, including those with urgent and complex needs.
Recently, we helped Kate*, a long-term tenant living in a "substandard" two-bedroom private rental with her young adult daughter, who has significant disabilities and needs 24/7 care.
Kate's daughter requires a controlled environment and specialised equipment. The lack of space at the private rental meant support workers could only provide active shifts from 3.00pm to 11.00pm, as there was nowhere for them to stay overnight. This arrangement placed additional strain on Kate, who also manages her own health challenges.
Through the Vacancy Program, we offered Kate a three-bedroom property close to medical supports and her daughter’s special education centre. The extra space will allow overnight care, proper storage for essential equipment, and a safe, comfortable environment for her daughter’s needs.
Kate was overwhelmed with gratitude, sharing that the property was “perfect” for their situation. This outcome highlights the profound impact the Vacancy Program has on improving quality of life for our clients and their families.
*Name has been changed for privacy.
New homes to support independent living
Six new homes are in development in Adelaide’s southern and north-eastern suburbs to support South Australians living with disabilities.
Built by YourPlace Housing, these homes will feature thoughtful design elements that improve comfort and energy efficiency.
Once complete, they’ll offer more than modern, well-designed spaces - they'll enhance quality of life and support residents to live more independently.
The SA Housing Trust is proud to financially support this important project through Social Housing Accelerator funding. By partnering with community housing providers like YourPlace, we’re delivering additional social housing alongside the public homes we're building ourselves. It’s one of the many ways we’re responding to the diverse housing needs of South Australians.
Partnering for purpose — delivering homes that change lives
We’ve partnered with Access 2 Place who deliver specialised housing for South Australians living with disabilities. We recently met Jen and saw first-hand how these purpose-built homes are transforming lives.
Jen recently moved into her new specialist disability accommodation home designed and delivered by Access 2 Place to best support her disability. Access 2 Place worked with Jen and her family to build the home around her needs. Jen's home includes features such as wider hallways, height-adjustable kitchen surfaces, an accessible bathroom, as well as storage spaces, switches and appliances at a more comfortable height. Jen is also excited to have the bright pink bedroom she’s been wanting.
'This is the most beautiful house,' Jen says.
'It makes everything so comfortable, streamlined and easy. We love it so very much.'
We’re proud to work with Access 2 Place in delivering purpose-built homes which contribute to a better quality of life and greater independence for many South Australians. Partnerships like these are just one of the ways we’re working to support a range of different housing needs and address the housing challenges in our state.
SA Housing Trust gives students a Doorway2Construction
Whyalla students are gaining hands-on experience through the Doorways2Construction program - refurbishing SA Housing Trust homes, learning trade skills, and even securing apprenticeships.
Major progress in
Seaton Urban Renewal project
Exciting progress is underway in Seaton, where one of South Australia’s largest urban renewal projects is transforming the community. This development will deliver around 400 modern public homes in a range of sizes and styles.
Tenant profile:
award-winning artist and proud
Ngarrindjeri women, Yvonne
Meet Yvonne - a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, award-winning artist, and SA Housing Trust tenant.
Her work is celebrated in galleries across Australia and internationally, and she’s passionate about passing on cultural knowledge to future generations.
Julie's forever home
in Whyalla's new public housing development
Julie is thriving in her brand-new SA Housing Trust home in Whyalla. Since moving in July, she’s discovered just how life-changing a safe, modern space can be.
Her home is one of more than 40 new public properties built in the region—delivering security, comfort, and a fresh start.
Mount Barker's latest public housing nearing completion
We're about to deliver our latest batch of new public homes in Mount Barker.
The final two homes in the latest development - a two-bedroom and a spacious four-bedroom - are nearly complete. Both feature modern designs with plenty of space in the backyards, laundries, and secure parking.
These homes are in addition to three others in the area that have already been completed and tenanted, adding to our growing impact in the hills.
Make sure to check out our socials to keep up with all the great stories we share.
Christmas and New Year operating hours
From everyone at the SA Housing Trust, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Please note our operating hours over the Christmas and New Year period are as follows:
SA Housing Trust business hours
8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
Phone: 131 299 ☏
Phone (Outside South Australia): (08) 8207 0211 ☏
Public holidays – Closed
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Call Centre
Phone: 131 288 ☏ 24/7 every day of the year, public holidays included
Information on how to report, visit www.sa.gov.au/request repairs to public housing(external site)
For all support and other related services
Visit the SA Housing Trust Contacts webpage
