Women’s Housing Ltd recognise that housing is only one part of the jigsaw in many tenants’ lives
Strong partnerships with support services is central to Women’s Housing Limited’s work practices. Partnerships can help to improve the sense of community and belonging for tenants.
Women’s Housing Ltd has a holistic approach to developing partnerships. Key areas of focus are personal support, local community, employment, training and development, education, health and financial management.
Our aim is to provide tenants with social, local and financial benefits, reducing those disadvantaged by low income, isolation, lack of education and poor health.
Community development has taken many forms. Rooming House residents have developed their own edible gardens, taken part in cooking classes, well-being sessions, art therapy, photography classes etc. The activities are determined by the residents.
On 25 October 2023, Anthony Cianflone MP, State Labor Member for Pascoe Vale, Coburg and parts of Brunswick West visited the Harvest Square public housing redevelopment site. Women’s Housing Ltd will be managing 111 units on the site as part of an agreement with Homes Victoria. In addition Women's Housing Ltd will purchase 8 units from AV Jennings taking the total number of dwellings to 119. Anthony Cianflone MP continues to show his support for Women’s Housing Ltd and the development of social and community housing for women in Victorian Parliament.
The Soup Angel was created in March 2020 during the first COVID lockdown in Melbourne to provide home cooked, healthy and nutritious soups to the elderly and others in need. The Soup Angel has now grown to over 50 volunteers that deliver over 130 bowls of soup every fortnight to Melbourne and regional Victorian communities.
Women's Housing Ltd would like to thank The Soup Angel for providing donated goods to many of our renters!
Women’s Housing Ltd has formed a partnership with Thread Together. Thread Together addresses the uncomfortable truth around clothing waste by saving new clothes from going to landfill and providing them to people in need. The clothing services are FREE and available to WHL renters via the Mobile Wardrobe Van and an online service accessible via the Tenancy Officer. Recently the Mobile Wardrobe Van visited the Berwick Rooming House and residents were able to enjoy some retail therapy. Residents were very excited about their new clothing, Bonds underwear, Berlie bras and Sketchers runners were just some of the items available. The day was a resounding success with 18 residents taking part on the day.
An anonymous donor gifted WHL 500 items of clothing. These garments were of high quality, merino wool, linen and silk. These garments were transported by Tenancy Officers to many renters across Melbourne. Thanks to our anonymous donor!!
“I have a special event this weekend and I had nothing to wear. Now I feel I will be the best dressed there. Thank-you!” Renter “Oh my, I never thought I would wear something so beautiful. Thanks.” Renter “It was fantastic to be able to give the residents these clothes. Very good quality and very much appreciated... There was such a buzz in the air... so much happiness” Tenancy Officer
In April 2021 Brighton Secondary College conducted an art supplies drive. After only a few weeks the whole school community donated enough supplies for 15 boxes and 6 bags. Some of the children in Women's Housing Ltd's properties were the grateful benefactors of the gifts. Generosity like this has a lasting impact on children, families and communities. Women's Housing Ltd would like to extend a big thank you to Joshua Cohen and the environmental team at Brighton Secondary College. With a very special mention to Sydney James as the team leader for encouraging wonderful generosity and community spirit!
Normally at this time of year the office is a hive of activity wrapping and distributing donations for our tenants. But COVID-19 stopped everything… even Christmas. Never fear the elves at Women’s Housing Ltd were not to be stopped. Thanks to TWO VERY GENEROUS donations Christmas visited the children in our properties. This week our wonderful staff hand delivered 170 $100 gift cards to all the children housed by Women’s Housing Ltd. To all a brilliant and safe Christmas!!
⇒ Make sure workspaces, benchtops and surfaces are clean and hygienic. Wipe down desks, tables and phones with disinfectant regularly. ⇒ Regular and thorough handwashing. Use hand sanitiser when unable to wash. ⇒ Open doors and windows to provide fresh air. ⇒ Promote good respiratory hygiene or cough etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use tissues and throw them away. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitiser every time you touch your mouth or nose.
The Women's Advisory Group (WAG) is a group of Women's Housing Ltd tenants that provide a voice into the operations of the organisation. The WAG have been meeting monthly since April 2018. During this time the group have reviewed policies, provided feedback on recommended changes for the Women's Housing Ltd website and they have created a community engagement plan for 2019 and 2020. Tenants interested in taking part in the WAG should contact Lindy Parker, Operations Manager to learn more about the group and what it entails.
Georgia Ellis from Blue Chip Minds is providing training to tenants. These classes enable tenants to reflect on their perception of the world and come away with resources and skills to live a full life. Georgia provides training to clients all over the world London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore. This is a great opportunity for tenants! Thanks to a generous donation from Lend Lease, Women’s Housing Ltd can provide this opportunity. Scheduled dates for training are: 26th February, Moorabbin (TBC) 5th March, Bayswater Church Hall 11th and 18th March, Mount Martha Rooming House 15th and 22nd May, Berwick Rooming House 10th June, Richmond Community Learning Centre If you are a tenant of Women's Housing Ltd and interested in attending any of the above workshops please contact the office on 9412 6868 ext 4.
Thank you Footscape for the wonderful donation of more new socks for our tenants. Footscape is a not for profit organisation that provide podiatry care to economically disadvantaged individuals .