YWCA HAFF Round 1 Submission

The Challenge

YWCA Canberra, a community organisation advancing gender equality through housing, employment, and social programs, sought funding under Round 1 of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to deliver social housing for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. In Canberra, demand for safe, affordable housing far exceeds supply—particularly for vulnerable women facing economic insecurity and housing instability. The HAFF submission aimed to secure funding for the turnkey acquisition of four apartments within a larger residential development to address this urgent need.

The Action

YWCA Canberra engaged Polis Partners to support its HAFF Round 1 submission by coordinating stakeholder inputs, aligning the proposal with funding criteria, and developing financial modelling to demonstrate long-term affordability and viability. The submission focused on securing funding for a turnkey acquisition of four apartments to provide safe housing for women and children escaping domestic violence.

The Results

The HAFF submission was successful, securing funding for the acquisition of four apartments to be used as social housing for women and children escaping domestic violence. However, external factors, including delays in gaining DA approvals for the broader development, have impacted project timelines.