SEVEN homes at the former Stockton Centre have been upgraded to transitional housing which will provide short-term accommodation for around 25 people each night.

The site was previously used as a residential centre for people with disability.

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The $2.45 million upgrade to the properties will see a six-bedroom house, two four-bedroom houses and four five-bedroom houses being made available for families facing a housing crisis or emergency.

Homes NSW is working with social and affordable housing provider, Home In Place, to ensure the people staying temporarily at the Stockton Centre receive the right support to address their housing needs and assist them to find longer-term solutions.

The NSW Government says the project delivers on a promise to investigate the temporary use of government owned building assets for short-term accommodation, while longer-term planning and redevelopment options are being explored.

It is believed the model can be replicated across the state.

Minister for Disability Inclusion and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the site’s transformation is a “massive win for our community”.

“The housing crisis is the greatest challenge facing families across the state and the Minns Labor Government is doing everything possible to get more roofs over people’s heads sooner.

“The former government said it wasn’t possible, we’ve proved that it is.

“I’m so pleased that these properties are no longer sitting empty and will now provide safe and secure short-term accommodation for the people in our community who need it most.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the project is a “big step” towards alleviating the housing crisis in Newcastle.

“The community and I have been lobbying for more short-term accommodation for years, so this is a massive win for Newcastle.

“I am proud to be part of a government that has finally delivered this much-needed emergency housing to our community.”

Home in Place CEO Australia Lyndall Robertshaw said, “It is good to see the NSW Government looking at every opportunity to address the housing crisis.

“Every additional community housing home the Government can bring online means another person or a family will have a safe roof over their head.

“Safe, appropriate housing is a fundamental human right. If you are worrying and organising where you or your family will sleep that night, it is very hard to work, study, raise children, take care of your physical or mental health or contribute to your community.”