Habilis Housing

Summer Hill

– Summer Hill Centre opened in 2024
– Supported housing for people living the chronic mental illness
– 19 resident units, plus clinic and caretaker unit
– Adaptive re-use of two industrial buildings
- Winner, Urban Land Institute (ULI) 2026 Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence
– Highly Commended, Urban Taskforce Australia, 2026 Development Excellence Awards
– Winner, 2025 Development of the Year, Social Infrastructure, Urban Developer Awards

Breaking the cycle of homelessness, hospitalisation and incarceration for people living with schizophrenia, the Habilis charity is a financially sustainable permanent housing model which is already saving society hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

The first Habilis centre opened in Summer Hill in 2024, a 19-studio facility developed as an adaptive re-use of two existing, ageing industrial buildings. The centre features on-site caretaker and clinic to provide appropriate care, secure perimeter, plus extensive landscaping and social spaces to foster community and provide residents with a sense of safety and autonomy. 

Frank and Joe Scarf are proud to devote their experience and time as Directors of Habilis to secure future sites, funding solutions and development expertise to grow this important network.

www.habilis.org.au

Habilis Internal Shot looking out from Kitchen .jpg
Habilis Internal shot of Kitchen and Living Room .jpg

  • "It costs more in avoidable hospital admission, prison and other costs to neglect the homeless mentally ill than it does to house and care for them."

    — Prof. Olav Nielssen, Habilis Founder

  • “Not only is it an incredibly well imagined scheme - all the units benefit from the north of aspect, the units are private, the high ceilings provide a real sense of space with a beautiful outlook. The team have proved that you can build affordable that is beautiful and cost effective.”

    — Simone Plummer, Director of Planning, Inner West Council

  • "Health and housing services like this are desperately needed in the community and the clinic is a much needed facility. It will help to take pressure off the overloaded prison and health systems. It will help vulnerable people transition back to the community."

    — Hon Dr Meredith Burgmann AM

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