AustraliA
Working in partnership with the Habitat for Humanity NGO
Somfy Foundation, Somfy Oceania are supporting Habitat for Humanity in Sydney. Habitat for Humanity NSW (HFH NSW) is
partnering with Family and Community Services (FACS) to provide apartments for
homeless people who have been sleeping rough in Sydney.
In February 2017, the city of Sydney has identified 433 homeless people, which is why Somfy Oceania and the Somfy Foundation wanted to act to help people in need. The Somfy Foundation and Somfy Oceania have teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to provide financial support for the furnishing of five apartments for people who previously experiencing homelessness at Martin Place in Sydney. Habitat for Humanity is a partner of the City of Sydney's family and community services and is taking care of five social housing units, which had to be furnished prior to receiving homeless people.
A solidarity commitment for Somfy employees to the most deprived
A team of Somfy Oceania volunteers went to assemble and install the furniture in the various apartments during solidarity days (beds, tables, chairs, storage and kitchen furniture, household appliances...) in West Ryde, North Parramatta, Kingsford, South Coogee and Matraville.
Somfy employees have greatly appreciated this rewarding experience which they will remember for a long time. Solidarity days allow participants to contribute to the fight against poor housing. Through small actions, everyone can act to help people in precarious situations, for example by giving a little of their time and goodwill. Once the work of the volunteer teams was completed, the homeless could move into their apartments. They did not have to worry about how they would have to equip their dwelling. Thanks to furnished apartments, homeless people have been welcomed in very good conditions.
Habitat for Humanity gives people the opportunity to live happier and healthier lives with stable, secure housing.
Having well-equipped housing is essential for reintegration. To start a new life in a house without any furniture does not help the transition between the street and the return to a daily life in an apartment. After years on the street, to have a stable and secure housing, allows people in exclusion to bounce back in life. Finding yourself in a dwelling can be a difficult because you have to learn how to manage your expenses or to carry out your administrative procedures... Some habits that can be lost when you are living in he streets. Thus, the persons accommodated in these units are accompanied in their reintegration by Habitat for Humanity.
With the help of employees Somfy, Somfy Oceania and the Somfy Foundation, it was ultimately a human and financial support that made this project possible to provide housing to those who needed it. Somfy Oceania employees are eager to work again with Habitat for Humanity and continue to support projects that can help to provide decent housing for the disadvantaged members of society in Australia.
SOMFY AUSTRALIA
"Our local initiative with Habitat for Humanity is the Sydney project, under the Somfy banner of “A house is a home” which is about providing accommodation for homeless people. Somfy Foundation is a brilliant initiative and we can be proud to be involved."
Stephen Eggleton, Managing Director Somfy Oceania
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AUSTRALIA
“This project reflects Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity is truly grateful for the Somfy Foundation’s support in fighting against housing poverty.”
Zoé Nelson-Carey, National Partnerships Manager Habitat for Humanity Australia
Managing Director Somfy Oceania
National Partnerships Manager at Habitat for Humanity Australia
