Meet the Changemakers: The Real Faces Behind Australia’s Housing Shift
Discover how Sunrise Foundation is redefining social impact housing — building community housing that empowers women and transforms lives.
When most people hear “housing crisis,” they think of rising rents, low vacancy rates, and long waiting lists. But for the Sunrise Foundation, community housing isn’t about statistics — it’s about people. It’s about creating a foundation where women and children can rebuild their lives, regain confidence, and reconnect with their communities.
In the growing movement for social impact housing in Australia, the team at Sunrise is proving that affordable and specialist housing can be more than just a roof — it can be a launchpad for lasting change. Learn more about how our housing programs are creating lasting change.
Housing With Heart — More Than Just Bricks and Mortar
Lorraine Ingram, Ava Huxley and Marie Barclay are creating beautiful safe spaces for Sunrise clients.
At Sunrise, every home is designed to be a space for healing and empowerment. The team describes it as “housing with heart” — not simply providing shelter, but making sure each resident feels secure, respected, and supported.
Because Sunrise is backed by both private funding and the governance of a registered charity, it can act quickly when housing is urgently needed, without compromising integrity. This agility means they can respond in real time to real people — a rare combination in the community housing sector.
For women leaving domestic and family violence, this often means the difference between living in fear and beginning a new chapter. Safe, stable housing is the first step, but the Sunrise model ensures it’s never the last. Help us continue building community housing that changes lives.
The First Step Towards Stability
Sunrise Ambassador Glen-Marie Frost sees housing as the gateway to something greater: safety, self-confidence, and the ability to plan for the future. She’s passionate about ensuring tenants have the tools to secure their long-term wellbeing, whether through job opportunities, training, or financial education.
Financial literacy is a priority — and for good reason. Many women arrive at Sunrise without a clear understanding of how to protect themselves financially. As Glen-Marie notes from personal experience, even those who once felt “invincible” can be left vulnerable by sudden life changes. Sunrise addresses this through workshops with experts like Certified Money Coach Natasha Janssens, equipping tenants with the knowledge to protect their futures. Explore our partnership opportunities to help provide training, mentorship, and support.
Sunrise Foundation Ambassador, Glen-Marie Frost.
From Shelter to Self-Determination
The impact of safe housing is both practical and deeply personal. One young mother, after moving into her new home, was able to return to full-time work and spend more quality time with her children. Another tenant uses her one-bedroom unit as both a sanctuary and a workspace, consulting online while preparing to launch her own business.
These stories show why Sunrise views social impact housing as a platform for agency. With the security of a home, people can focus on building careers, completing studies, reconnecting with loved ones, and engaging with their communities.
The Details That Make a Difference
While structural stability matters, so do the small, thoughtful touches. In Sunrise developments, new furniture, a welcome bunch of flowers, or a grocery voucher on arrival are more than gestures — they’re symbols that residents are valued and welcomed.
Programs like the education fund provide children in social housing with essentials such as laptops, school clothes, and extracurricular activities. For parents, especially those fleeing violence, knowing their children have this support can be life-changing. Your support helps us keep programs like the education fund running strong.
Building Belonging in Community Housing
A home is more than four walls — it’s also about belonging. The team nurtures this through community hubs, social activities, and links to local services. Workshops on topics like financial literacy or career pathways double as opportunities for tenants to meet, connect, and support one another.
The aim is not to impose community, but to create natural spaces where friendships and mutual support can grow. Over time, these connections build the sense of safety and pride that makes people want to put down roots. Discover more about how our community housing model builds connection and belonging.
Challenging the Status Quo in Social Impact Housing
Sunrise is challenging the old perception that affordable or specialist housing means “bare minimum.” Their developments are safe, well-designed, and intentionally dignified. The organisation doesn’t just hand over keys — it wraps housing in connection, opportunity, and a vision for long-term stability.
The team is clear: policy change must catch up to what’s already working on the ground. That means moving away from short-term, crisis-driven approaches toward long-term investment in community housing solutions that tackle root causes rather than symptoms.
Why the Work Matters
For CEO Lorraine Ingram, the motivation is simple: empowering women to move from crisis to confidence. “For me, it’s this balance of speed, purpose, and genuine care that sets Sunrise apart. We’re not just building houses; we’re creating spaces for people to start again — and I feel incredibly proud to lead a team that puts their heart into making that happen.”
Sunrise calls it “housing with heart” — and in doing so, they’re showing Australia what social impact housing can truly achieve.