Kiama Downs resident Peter Gray says it is a big relief to know his family will have somewhere comfortable, safe and clean to live into the future.
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Mr Gray has terminal lung cancer, and his home is one of 60 properties in the Illawarra that will undergo improvements under $1.65 million in state government funding for social housing in the region.
He, his wife and four teenage daughters are now preparing move to another home temporarily while the work is completed.
Mr Gray had lived in the house a little over two years and said mould had been a problem during that time.
He said the upcoming refurbishment would see the carpets and linoleum replaced, the house repainted, new gutters installed, and the bathroom's extractor fan fixed.
"For me, it's a massive load off," Mr Gray said, adding that he had been worried for his children once he was gone.
The cosmetic improvements the refurbishment will deliver are also welcomed.
Housing Trust has received $1.1 million to undertake work on 29 of the Land and Housing Corporation properties it manages, which stretch from Woonona to Kiama.
"The intention is to improve the quality, safety and comfort for our tenants," the organisation's program coordinator, Luke Attenborough, said.
Not only would the works improve the liveability of these homes, he said, but it would employ local tradespeople and suppliers.
"It's a win-win for the local community," Mr Attenborough said.
Read more: COVID-19 continues to affect Illawarra jobs
Some of the improvements, such as energy-efficient measures, will also reduce the cost of living for tenants.
Mr Attenborough said the funding would allow the organisation to fast-track planned improvements, allowing works that would have waited two to three years to be brought forward for completion by the end of June.
The works will cover everything from new kitchens and bathrooms, to flooring, painting, roof replacement, and fencing.
Dale Perrett from On Board Building Services has been engaged to work on several properties.
He said it was really exciting to be involved in this project.
Southern Youth and Family Services has received $550,000 for work on 27 properties it manages.
"Access to safe, secure, and functional housing can have a transformative effect on the lives of young people and families," chief executive officer Narelle Clay said.
The funding delivered in the Illawarra is part of a $40 million COVID-19 stimulus funding package for more than 2000 government-owned homes across the state.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
