Housing for First Nations Women
Access to safe housing remains a key challenge facing Australia’s First Nations women. In acknowledging our presence on land that was stolen and not ceded, Women’s Housing Ltd is emerging from the pandemic with the goal to increase the representation of First Nations women in our properties and provide them with a home that meets their needs. Hearing the invaluable stories of our Renters has helped us understand their needs in the pursuit of providing culturally safe and inclusive housing. Many of our First Nations Renters came to us with experiences of housing insecurity. Women’s Housing Ltd is proud to provide a safe and inclusive home to these Renters. The certainty and permanency our housing brings to our First Nations renters has been described as bringing a sense of security and safety that been missing. The stories of three First Nations Renters speaks to why Women’s Housing Ltd does what we do:
- WHL Tenancy Officers create a safe yarning space to connect with Renters. After meeting a Renter in her home over several cups of coffee and establishing a personal connection, the Renter was able to address her rental arrears and now lives comfortably free of rental debt and risk to her housing security.
- A woman was afforded financial and housing stability, thereby allowing them to return to study and achieve their career goal alongside a safe family home.
- Another Renter was passed through six different housing providers before arriving with Women’s Housing Ltd, where she was relieved to be assisted with her move and obtaining warm clothes and food. When she connected with another First Nations woman housed by our organisation in her property, she found a further sense of belonging in her new home.
More Homes for Women in Need
As part of the Victorian State Government’s “Big Housing Build”, the first round of funding from Homes Victoria will see a total of $738 million invested in 89 projects across the state.
Women’s Housing Ltd has successfully secured funding for 309 new social housing dwellings spread over 13 projects, the dwellings are designed to house women and children in need of a safe place to call home. The new homes will be built in areas where they are needed most and will target women and children escaping domestic violence and older women, with 10% of the new homes allocated to Aboriginal Victorians.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for WHL and our clients – both present and future,” said Judy Line, CEO of Women’s Housing Ltd.
Work on the projects will begin by the end of 2021 and it is anticipated that tenants will have a new place to call home by the end of 2023.
Big Thanks…
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
Important COVID-19 Update
Helping Children Transition Back to School
Transitioning back to school in the COVID-19 era can present many challenges for parents and children. Many parents have reported that learning from home has given their child the opportunity to work at their own pace.
- Reassure your child that it is safe to go to school. Children have been told that learning from home is to keep them safe and healthy. Some children may worry about returning to school.
- Prepare your child for changes to usual school processes. Talk about upcoming changes, ask your child what will make their transition back to school easier.
- Re-establish normal routines in the lead up to school. Bedtime routines, packing school bag. Don't forget to allow more time than usual to get ready.
Remember after school children may be feeling more fatigued and may need to spend some quality time with family members.
Important COVID-19 Update
Change in How we do Business
Due to COVID-19 Women's Housing Ltd office doors are closed to visitors but we are still operating. Please call on 9412 6868 between 9am - 5pm so that we can assist with your call. Alternatively email info@womenshousing.com.au
[button link="https://womenshousing.com.au/news/covid-19/" type="big"] More Information, Updates and Resources on COVID-19[/button]
Lockdown Tips for School Holidays
School holidays don't have to be filled with screen time or be boring in lockdown. The below resources and links are suitable to explore and share with children and teenagers. They will help you get creative, active and laugh together.
The IDEAS website has a great list of activities for children of all age
For 15 sensory play activities visit Scope
The Imagination Tree is a crafting site for babies to preschool children
To access online puzzles and games visit Crazy Games
For nature scavenger hunts and lists of outdoor fun visit Nature Play SA
Visit Duolingo to learn a language