Women’s Services

Who We Are Available To

Women’s Services provides Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) services to women experiencing housing crisis, and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or needing assistance to establish a new tenancy.

WHL is committed to its specialist women’s focus and targets those identified as most at risk or disadvantaged including women experiencing family violence, young women and women exiting correctional facilities. The IAP services include Housing Establishment Funds, advice, advocacy, referrals, and housing outreach at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

How We Work

The IAP assessment involves identifying your housing and support needs.

The Women’s Services Officer will discuss with you short term options such as transitional housing or crisis accommodation. They will also discuss with you longer term options such as Office of Housing, private rental, or community housing.

Referrals for support or accommodation will be made as required.

The Women’s Services Officer may also be able to advocate on your behalf with real estates and landlords when communication has broken down.

Housing Establishment Funds

Housing Establishment Funds (HEF) is financial assistance that can help with rental arrears, rent in advance, purchase of emergency accommodation and assistance with the cost of removals for women escaping family violence.

The aim of HEF is to help maintain tenancies and establish new tenancies.

Eligibility is in accordance with the Office of Housing Homelessness Assistance Program Guidelines. Please note, should you meet the criteria for HEF assistance the amount of assistance will only be a partial amount. Limited funding also means that we may not be able to assist you even if you meet the criteria. The Women’s Services Officer however will discuss with you further options and make referrals as required.

How To Contact The IAP Team

The IAP service is a telephone service. HEF funding is available to be applied for on Monday mornings from 9AM.

For assessment of eligibility for HEF or for advice and housing information, please contact the Women’s Services Team on:

Telephone: 9412 6868
Email: reception@womenshousing.com.au