SASSI It is accessible by public transport and delivers outreach support to clients wherever they are in the District. Supported accommodation is up to 6 weeks.

SASSI provides safety through housing and support to women and their children who are impacted by homelessness or domestic violence in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra. SAHSSI Central Administration, Housing Resource Centre and Outreach Service
Located in Atchison St Wollongong, with management, finance and administration, and a centralised intake and referral. Support for clients and referrals to and

from partner agencies including internally managed supported accommodation, transition properties, partner properties including Housing NSW’s Temporary Accommodation (TA) service. SAHSSI also manages 25 transitional properties in the Illawarra, the outreach support team provide case management support to these clients. Transitional Housing
Transitional housing is a form of social housing assistance for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The transitional accommodation offered by SAHSSI is targeted for single women and women with children. Clients in these properties sign a lease under the Residential Tenancies Act, and are entitled to a subsidised rent according to their household income. SAHSSI is currently responsible for the management of 40 transitional housing properties ranging from bedsits to 3 bedroom houses. Whilst transitional housing is not long-term housing, it is accompanied by support from a SAHSSI Outreach Case Manager who will support the tenant to stabilise their circumstances and move on to more appropriate long term housing. Illawarra Crisis Accommodation
SAHSSI has two Crisis Accommodation Support services in the Illawarra that provide intensive case management support to women with or without children who are homeless and in a crisis situation such as escaping domestic violence. Shoalhaven Crisis
SAHSSI Shoalhaven has one Crisis Accommodation Support service that provides intensive case management support to women with or without children who are homeless and in a crisis situation such as escaping domestic violence. Shoalhaven Outreach
Delivers outreach support to clients from wherever they are in the District. Support for clients and referrals to and from partner agencies including internally managed supported accommodation, partner properties including Housing NSW’s Temporary Accommodation (TA) service in Nowra to Ulladulla. Support we provide:
• Low needs service for people that require information and referral to another service that suits their needs, information regarding homelessness and Domestic/Family Violence , assistance with forms, advocacy etc.
• Early intervention / prevention – Saving tenancies at risk support (Outreach Illawarra / Shoalhaven).
• Rapid Rehousing – Client contact within 24 hours of referral. Assessment is made for suitability. With Assistance, can secure and maintain a property with low level needs. (Outreach Illawarra and Shoalhaven).
• Crisis Accommodation – Crisis accommodation (Illawarra and Shoalhaven).
• Transitional Accommodation – Medium term leased property with support (Illawarra Outreach only).
• Post Crisis Support – Support to clients who are exiting crisis into accommodation such as private rental.
• Complex Clients – Clients who have multiple identified issues such as Alcohol and Drug, Mental Health, Physical Health, Disability etc with no requirement for crisis or transitional accommodation. (Outreach Illawarra/ Shoalhaven). Case Management
SAHSSI’s Case Manager will help you to develop your personal case plan, which will assist you to achieve your goals. The Case Manager works in collaboration with you to address any issues that are of concern. This is done by identifying issues and working on a strategic, action based support plan. SAHSSI’s case management includes:
• Housing information
• Coordinating specialist services
• Counselling
• Parenting support
• Medical
• Legal
• Education and training
• Employment
• Mental health
• Alcohol and drugs support services
• Emotional support
• Advocacy
• Help you understand documents, forms, service processes and other support based on individual needs

10 years of SASSI 30 – and what an incredible result!We are thrilled to share that the 10th SASSI 30 raised an amazing $...
31/08/2026

10 years of SASSI 30 – and what an incredible result!

We are thrilled to share that the 10th SASSI 30 raised an amazing $31,775 to support SASSI’s work with women and children experiencing domestic and family violence and homelessness.

A very special thank you to Jo Warren, whose passion, commitment and hard work have been at the heart of SASSI 30. Thank you, Jo, for once again bringing our community together and making the 10th anniversary such a fantastic success.

We would also like to sincerely thank everyone who walked, donated, fundraised, volunteered and supported this year’s event, including Radio 2ST, 94.9 Power FM, Jervis Bay District Branch Country Womens Association, Booderee National Park, Shoalhaven City Council, Bay and Basin Amnesty, and Illawarra Heart Centre.

A huge shout-out to the incredible teams who got behind the event and raised funds:
Team Blackett • CrossFit Huski • Bike Shack • Vinnie-Badaga • Oki Doki • Flow State Jervis Bay • Beans Marketing • Skin Aesthetics by Andrea • CommBank – RAB Illawarra & South Coast • The Conscious Health Team • SASSI Gals • Colliers Wollongong • SESG • Steps and Scrubs • SASSI All Stars

To everyone who played a part, thank you! Every registration, donation, kilometre walked and dollar raised allows us to provide vital support to women and children at the Nowra Refuge.

$31,775 raised. 10 years of walking. One incredible community. Here’s to the next chapter of Sassi 30!

Community kindness in action!A heartfelt thank you to three wonderful local organisations for their generous support of ...
28/08/2026

Community kindness in action!
A heartfelt thank you to three wonderful local organisations for their generous support of SASSI and the women and families we support.

Be. Recruitment Company – thank you for your generous donation of kitchen items. These practical essentials make such a difference in helping women and families feel settled and supported as they rebuild their lives.

Warrawong Pegasus EEC – thank you for your thoughtful donation of essential toiletries. Having access to everyday necessities helps ensure the women and children accessing our services are supported with dignity and care.

The Sensory Studio – thank you for your wonderful donation of children’s sensory and educational toys for Gunya’s Child and Family Room. These resources will help create a welcoming and engaging space where children can play, learn and feel safe and supported during their time at Gunya.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our local community. Every donation, big or small, helps SASSI provide practical support, create welcoming spaces and build safer futures for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence and homelessness.

26/08/2026

Chenine, SASSI's Illawarra Aboriginal Cultural Lead, shares what cultural safety really means in practice.

It starts with awareness, understanding the intergenerational trauma so many people carry, and how deeply it shapes their life, even in ways you won't see straight away. There's always more to someone's story than what's in front of you.

This awareness is what shapes our work. We take the time to build real rapport, walking alongside people as they unpack their story, and putting the right support in place as they reach milestones on their own recovery journey.

We don’t push. We walk with people, as equals, for as long as it takes.

That's what cultural safety looks like at SASSI.

Learn more about SASSI's work at sassi.org.au

26/08/2026

**A new home in the Illawarra: introducing Gunya.**

Two weeks ago, we opened the doors to Gunya, meaning home or shelter in Dhurga, giving women and children a fresh start after homelessness, domestic and family violence, and trauma.

Our thanks to Jodie Harrison MP for joining us on the day, and to Aunty Sylvia Akusah for a beautiful women's water ceremony. We're grateful too for the partners, supporters, and community behind this project.

It's a place built on dignity, safety, and connection, helping women and children move forward on their own terms.

Funded by NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice Core and Cluster program.

CREATE & CONNECT ART EXHIBITIONSASSI is proud to invite our community to the Create & Connect Art Exhibition, showcasing...
25/08/2026

CREATE & CONNECT ART EXHIBITION

SASSI is proud to invite our community to the Create & Connect Art Exhibition, showcasing the wonderful creations of SASSI participants, guided by local art therapist Lara Seresin HEART of the ART

Create & Connect provides participants with a safe and supportive space to explore creativity, connection and self-expression through art. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their creativity and share their work with our community.

Opening Night: Thursday 27 August, 5pm–7pm
NASA Gallery – 6–8 Wentworth Street (The Servo), Port Kembla The Servo - Port Kembla
The exhibition will then be open 11am–4pm daily from Friday 28 August to Thursday 3 September.

FREE ART THERAPY SESSION

Come along on Monday 31 August from 11am–4pm and join Lara for some fun, colour and creativity. All materials are provided!

We would love to see our community come along, support our participants and celebrate the power of creativity and connection.

It takes a community to create safety.In the coming weeks, women and children will move into our brand-new self-containe...
19/08/2026

It takes a community to create safety.

In the coming weeks, women and children will move into our brand-new self-contained units, Gunya, a place they can finally call home.

Every unit has been lovingly furnished by members of our Illawarra community, transforming bare rooms into warm, welcoming spaces.

On the wall outside each door sits a small plaque with a big promise: "The community is holding and keeping you safe tonight."

That promise is real because of the generosity of the partners and friends who helped make Gunya happen.

Our heartfelt thanks go to:

Wests Illawarra
Dapto Leagues Club
Berkeley Sports Club
Wollongong Collegians
Rotary Club of Wollongong
Latitude South Coast
Edmund Rice College Wollongong
Colliers Wollongong
WAH-WAH

And of course, our builders Ken and TDK Corporation, who've once again delivered something extraordinary

What you've built is more than a home. It's dignity, it's warmth, and it's hope for families rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence.

SASSI can't do this alone. Thank you for standing beside us, and for showing every woman and child who walks through Gunya's door that our Illawarra community has their back.

18/08/2026

In the Shoalhaven, SASSI is proud to work hand in hand with Southern Cross Housing, together, we're able to deliver even better outcomes for our clients.

Southern Cross Housing is a Community Housing Provider, delivering housing for people on low incomes, and people with special needs or disability.

Where we really shine together is supporting women who've experienced domestic violence: Southern Cross Housing provides the housing, and SASSI wraps around with ongoing support. It's a model built on collaboration, and it's helping women find safety, stability, and a genuine path to rebuild their lives.

We're grateful for partners like Southern Cross Housing, who help make these outcomes possible.

18/08/2026

Last week, SASSI launched Gunya, a fully supported core and cluster refuge in the Illawarra for women and children who've experienced homelessness, domestic and family violence, and trauma. It offers a safe, stable place to rebuild with dignity and hope.

The model pairs 8 private homes, including 1 fully accessible dwelling, with onsite, trauma-informed support tailored to each family.

Thank you to our partners and community for helping bring Gunya to life, and for creating pathways towards lasting wellbeing.

A huge thank you to Street Side Medics and their incredible team of medical professionals and volunteers for the vital w...
12/08/2026

A huge thank you to Street Side Medics and their incredible team of medical professionals and volunteers for the vital work they do in our community.

SASSI is proud to welcome the Street Side Medics mobile GP-led clinic to our Shoalhaven Homeless Hub every Tuesday, providing free and accessible healthcare to people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability in the Shoalhaven.

Congratulations to Dr Daniel Nour and the entire Street Side Medics team on the expansion of this important service into the ACT. We are so grateful for your ongoing commitment to supporting communities across Australia.

11/08/2026

WHAT A WAY TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF THE Sassi 30 WALK!

What an incredible day!

A huge thank you to everyone who walked, fundraised, donated, volunteered, sponsored and supported the 10th anniversary of the SASSI 30 Walk over the weekend.

Together, we raised an amazing $31,767!

With approximately 360 registrations, it was wonderful to see so many people come together to support SASSI and the work we do across the Shoalhaven.

Every registration, every kilometre walked and every dollar raised helps us continue to support women and children impacted by domestic and family violence and people experiencing homelessness.

For 10 years, the SASSI 30 Walk has brought our community together for an important cause, and this year's event was a very special way to celebrate this milestone.

To our walkers, fundraisers, donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters, thank you for making the 10th SASSI 30 one to remember!

Address

25 Atchison Street
Wollongong, NSW
2500

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61242298523

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