Construction is now underway on the $36 million New Generation Catherine House project in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, a landmark development that will transform how South Australia supports women experiencing homelessness and escaping violence.
A partnership between Housing Choices and Catherine House, the eight-storey development will deliver 52 social housing apartments, providing a mix of crisis, transitional, and long-term accommodation. Each unit will be self-contained, complete with private kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities — designed to help women and small families regain independence in a safe and supportive environment.
The facility will bring together multiple homelessness services under one roof, offering 24-hour support and a holistic care model that includes counselling, mental health services, education, and pathways to employment. Additional spaces will include a Women’s Respite and Recovery Centre, education and activity rooms, a domestic kitchen, craft, cooking and activity areas, computer training space, and a secure outdoor garden and BBQ area.
With more than 60% of women at Catherine House being survivors of domestic, family, or sexual violence, the new facility represents a vital expansion of resources.
Louise Miller-Frost, the former CEO of Catherine House, shared her enthusiasm for the project. “As the former CEO of Catherine House, I am thrilled that this long-planned-for development is underway. Catherine House is a unique service that helps women experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.”
Local leaders have praised the initiative for its life-changing potential.
“Labor is committed to ending violence against women and children and ensuring they have a safe place to go when escaping violence,” said Steve Georganas.
Katrine Hildyard acknowledged the facility’s crucial role in tackling the “horror of domestic, family and sexual violence.”
Nat Cook described it as “a critical housing project in the city to support vulnerable women and their children,” and Lucy Hood applauded the partnership between state and federal governments in “ensuring more women can access crisis accommodation and long-term social housing.”
Julie Duncan, Director at Catherine House, said the development will provide “vital access to crisis accommodation and recovery-focused services, highlighting the critical role this facility plays in supporting our most vulnerable.”
Once complete, the New Generation Catherine House will stand as a beacon of hope and a vital lifeline for women across South Australia seeking safety, stability, and a fresh start.
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