Living on a low income
Managing household costs can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.
Foundation Housing connects tenants and residents with trusted information, practical resources and community services that can help make everyday living more affordable. From budgeting and energy-saving tips to financial counselling, rebates, food support and community programs, we’re here to help you find the right support for your circumstances.
Many of the resources on this page have been identified through conversations with tenants, community organisations and service providers across Western Australia, bringing together practical information in one convenient place.
Grants and Loans
Financial Support
Legal
Community legal centres primarily target their services for people who are ineligible for legal aid and who are unable to afford the services of a private lawyer. Access a local Community Legal Centre to advocate for help with:
- information and advice;
- referrals;
- casework and minor assistance;
- representation and advocacy;
- duty lawyer services;
- community legal education;
- non-legal support;
- policy law and reform.
Each community legal centre may offer different services, depending on the needs of their community.
Emergency Relief and Support
Broken Crayon Still Colour Foundation is a foundation led by real life survivors, women and men who have lived and experienced domestic /and or family violence.
Communicare provide emergency relief and other social services.
Oz Harvest provide free and cheap rescued food for those who need a helping hand up.
RUAH Community Services provide vouchers for food, prescriptions and other essential items. They also have a valuable resources guide for those living on a low income.
Margaret Court Community Outreach provide emergency food hampers, basic clothing and care support.
The Saver Plus program by the Smith Family is Australia’s longest running financial education and matched savings program.
Uniting WA -Tranby Engagement Hub can do referrals for Foodbank and meals, showers, food, clothing, vouchers and laundry.
Foodbank -referrals needed through support agencies. Main shop near the airport but mobile Foodbank vans available across Perth and regions.
Salvation army -Doorways –food vouchers, financial counselling and more.
Food Support
Kids Sport
Kidsport WA enables eligible children aged 5 to 18 to participate in community sport and recreation by offering them financial assistance towards club registration fees.
Clothing
Visit Charity Bins Perth for Op Shops & Charity Bin locations.
Foundation Housing partners with Thread Together – a global first – transforms unsold clothing into dignity, choice and hope for Australians experiencing hardship and disadvantage.
Community
- Visit ‘Ask Izzy’ to learn about where you can access food and accommodation and other support in your area.
- WAConnect is a directory of community service providers managed by the DropIN team at the Western Australian Council of Social Service.
Medical, Dental & Foot Care
Access health support and information directly through the Department of Health.
Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Support
Access alcohol, other drug and mental health services directly through the My Services tool.
Activities and events
- Check council websites and Eventbrite for free events near you.
- Eat Club meal discounts
- Fringe World discounts. (Jan-Feb each year in Perth)
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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