In February 2009, the Commonwealth announced the provision of additional funding for social housing under the Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan. This initiative will provide funding of $5.238 billion over three and a half years from 2008-09 to 2011-12 for the construction of new social housing and a further $400 million over two years for repairs and maintenance to existing public housing dwellings. It is being conducted in partnership with the state and territory governments. It will provide a boost to public housing and housing administered by the not-for-profit community sector and is designed to assist low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market.