SYC’s partnership with Adelaide builder Weeks Homes will see the construction of a $42,000 children’s playground and parent social area at a Smithfield site this Friday and Saturday the 9th and 10th of December.

Staff from Weeks and SYC will participate in a working bee to transform a carpark at one of SYC’s  housing program locations into a children’s play area, while storage areas will become meeting places for young parents. 

SYC CEO Mark Hoffman-Davis said thanks to the generous donation by Weeks Homes we will be able to create an engaging and dynamic play space for the children of our tenants.

“Our Smithfield location provides homes for 11 young families as they transition to independence. Building a play area in the carpark and renovating storage areas we know will improve our tenant’s time while they stay with us,” Mark said.

“I know our team and the staff from Weeks are looking forward to rolling their sleeves up and creating this new environment for our tenants.”

“SYC’s HYPA Housing specialised support program helps young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, gain the confidence and skills they need to secure a long-term independent housing option of their own.”

“SYC helps tens of thousands of people a year nationally across our portfolios of housing support, employment services, learning, disability and justice programs to create a life without disadvantage, to build sustainable independence and to experience wellbeing in all areas of their lives,” Mark said.

Weeks Homes CEO Peter McIndoe said working with SYC we were shocked to learn how significant the homeless problem is in Adelaide.

“The demand for SYC services is overwhelming. This year alone HYPA Housing received 354 referrals, 207 of those met eligibility criteria and of those 207 requests only 17 applicants have been placed in accommodation as vacancies arose during the year, that is a sobering statistic and one that needs to change,” Peter said.

“The $42,000 donation was made available via our Charitable Foundation, and we are delighted to be part of this important project to help young families. We have seen firsthand the great work that SYC does and the difference it makes to the lives of young people in our community.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s chipping to help also to the staff who also donated extra funds through staff raffles and to our suppliers who have provided materials at cost or in some cases donated products to help make this project a fabulous success,” Peter added.

SYC operates four housing projects across metropolitan Adelaide providing a total of 39 units for young people aged 17 to 25 years who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.