November 21, 2019
Foundation Housing is part of a new initiative that aims to help some of Fremantle’s most vulnerable homeless people by housing them in properties sourced from the private rental market while they receive ongoing wrap around support from two other local agencies, St Patrick’s Community Care and Ruah Community Services.
Like the successful 50 Lives 50 Homes (50L50H) program that runs in Perth, 20 Lives 20 Homes Fremantle (20L20H) is a ‘housing first’ model that sees appropriate permanent housing as an essential starting point from which previously homeless people can then begin to focus on addressing the many challenges in their lives.
Differing from the Perth based 50L50H, homes for the Fremantle version of the program will be sourced from the private rental market with property owners asked to agree to allow Foundation Housing to manage the property under a head lease for 12 months, with no associated property management or minor maintenance costs.
St Patrick’s Community Support Service will refer prospective participants and provide support for them to sustain their home while Ruah will provide additional after-hours support. Foundation Housing will be the 20L20H property manager, sourcing suitable homes and being the point of contact for all aspects of the tenancy.
Foundation Housing has experience managing homes on behalf of private owners through its Homes for Carers program which it runs in partnership with the Department of Communities. It also currently manages over 200 homes on behalf other social service organisations who own client housing and need a property management service that understands working with vulnerable individuals.
The Department of Communities is supporting the initiative by funding the private rental component of the program, which will ensure that landlords receive a guaranteed rental income for 12 months and the opportunity to use their investment property for social change.
If you’d like to know more about the program please contact Kylie at Foundation Housing at kyliei@foundationhousing.org.au who can provide more information.
WANDJOO MIA - 'Welcome Home' by Anthea Corbett
Foundation Housing acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we work and live and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. In particular, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation in Perth, the Yawuru people in Broome and the Kariyarra people in South Hedland. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.
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