Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries has encouraged community organisations in the Far West to apply for a share of nearly $8 million of NSW Government funding after the opening of round three of the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund on 30 March 2017.

The Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF) assists local organisations undertake physical improvements to build, refurbish and enhance facilities on, or close to, social housing communities through “one off” grants of between $2,000 and $50,000.

Mr Humphries said that the SHCIF provided not only better communal spaces for tenants, but an opportunity for better integration between social housing properties and the surrounding community.

“The SCHIF funds investment in communal facilities and open space that can be enjoyed by both social housing tenants and the broader community alike.

I want to encourage all local organisations to improve our neighborhood so that we can foster a sense of pride and a sense of community where people feel safe, supported and connected,” Mr Humphries said.

Minister for Social Housing, Pru Goward, said that since 2015 the SHCIF has invested in nearly 300 projects across NSW to help build or improve facilities and communal areas used by people living in social housing.

“The SHCIF has already made a real difference in people’s lives and I encourage all local organisations with a passion in improving their community to apply for Round Three grants,” Ms Goward said.

The SHCIF delivers on the NSW Government’s three-year $20 million commitment to build stronger social housing communities through physical improvement projects.

Applications for round three of the SHCIF close on 10 May 2017. For a full list of previously successful projects and details of how to apply, visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/SHCIF.

Further information is also available by contacting the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund team on 1800 379 184 or emailing SHCIF@facs.nsw.gov.au