Brave New World of Community Housing
On Thursday 19 April 2018 several staff from Women’s Housing Ltd attended the CHIA conference: Brave New World of Community Housing.
“Our industry is playing an increasingly vital role in tackling Australia’s growing housing affordability crisis at a time when the financing landscape is undergoing major changes and the impact of the Victorian Government’s Homes for Victorians strategy and allocations framework is beginning to be felt.”
Staff heard from, Derek Ballantyne, the man tasked with implementing Canada’s $40 billion National Housing Strategy and about expectations of our social landlord role.
Staff were also there to support Anne Winters, a Women’s Housing Ltd tenant, who agreed to speak at the conference. She talked about what she wanted from a landlord and what she got from Women’s Housing Ltd.
Thank you Anne for once again supporting the Community Housing Industry and being a wonderful advocate for women suffering a housing crisis.
Newport Opening
On 19 March 2018 Women’s Housing Ltd’s Newport development was officially opened. Wade Noonan MP, State Member for Williamstown also attended the opening.
This project was designed to deliver more affordable, long-term housing to women at risk of homelessness. Located close to public transport, local shops and parklands, the development includes 20 new one and two bedroom dwellings for women and children, many of whom are escaping family violence.
The design by award-winning architectural practice, ClarkeHopkinsClarke and built by Buildcorp, prioritises the safety of tenants, while ensuring the apartments have the look and feel of a traditional residential home. Additional features include car parking, terraces and a number of apartments that have been designed to support ageing in place, reflecting the growing number of elderly women in housing crisis. The project was funded by a $5.5m grant from the Victorian Property Fund.
CEO of Women’s Housing Ltd Judy Line says
“The recent increased public awareness of violence against women has helped secure more funding for community housing projects”
Back To School…
It’s that time of year again when our little ones put uniforms back on, pack school bags and get ready to learn. But for us big people it can be overwhelming and stressful working out the costs associated with heading back to school. The Ardoch Youth Foundation is a charity that helps disadvantaged children and young people reach their potential through education. The Ardoch Youth Foundation has produced a guide for parents and carers on how to manage and reduce school costs. Download the Ardoch School Costs Guide 2018 here. “While the aim of this guide is to help inform you about the different costs of education and assist you to manage these, we believe that the personal role you play in supporting children to learn is the most critical. By engaging in what children are learning, talking about the benefits of school and building positive relationships with people at your child’s school you reinforce the importance of education, which will be the key to them having chances and choices in life.” Ardoch Youth Foundation, Ardoch School Costs Guide 2018
Money For Jam Update
On 23rd January 2018 Per Capita, in partnership with Women’s Housing Ltd and Fitted for Work, launched the Money For Jam App and mentoring program. Over 30 women participated in the first workshop. There was a buzz of excitement in the room all day.
“I haven’t been in a classroom for ages; great to be making new friends”
Money For Jam is a social innovation project specifically designed to address income poverty for older women. The program is designed to help women over the age of 50 supplement their income. Older women are increasingly at risk of homelessness and unemployment. Money For Jamprovides mentoring for women at risk of homelessness to turn their hobbies and passions into micro-enterprises.
At the first workshop participants were introduced to the Money For Jam App. The aim of the App is to make the Money For Jam program more accessible to participants. The App allows participants to pace their learning, provides links to engage in further learning opportunities and offers a portal where the participants can support each other through the year long program.
“The app was fun and so easy to use”
Mentors have volunteered to support, guide and motivate participants during the year. Some of the mentors were present for the first workshop.
“I am really excited about 2018 – anything is possible”
Per Capita developed the App in consultation with En Masse. The Brotherhood of St Laurence will evaluate the project.
For more information about the App or the Money For Jam project please contact Myfan Jordan by email: m.jordan@percapita.org.au
Christmas Is Coming!
With Christmas just around the corner Women’s Housing Ltd invited tenants with children to visit the office and choose some gifts for under the tree. There were toys, homewares, stationary, children’s clothes and shoes, dignity bags and personal hygiene products plus much more.
There is still more available so if you are a tenant in need of some Christmas cheer please phone the office on 9412 6868.
Women’s Housing Ltd would like thank Share the Dignity, Wild Pumpkin and Good 360 for their donations and continued support.
Community Food Guide
“Many people within the City of Melbourne face daily challenges in accessing enough nutritious food. Most of us are not eating enough fruit and vegetables to meet our nutritional needs and an increasing number of people are living in densely populated areas where there is less space to grow food” The Community Food Guide, City of Melbourne The Community Food Guide has been created by the City of Melbourne to provide helpful information about food access programs, services and resources within the City of Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Categories include food banks, community meals, food education, community gardens and food rescue. To read the Guide please click the link below. City of Melbourne Community Food Guide
Berwick Art Classes
With the support from the City of Casey, Women’s Housing Ltd and Amanda Foster at Snoop Art developed an art program at the Berwick Rooming House. Through a series of six workshops tenant explored art as a way to find peace and feel safe, build self esteem and pride and at the same time possibly change their economic future.
Each participant was given the opportunity to learn skills related to the art medium that interested them. As a group, the participants completed a mosaic panel that is displayed in the grounds of the Berwick House. Each person that participated had personally engraved pieces embedded in the final Mosaics. Each participant was encouraged to create a personal piece that will signify a positive outcome and personal achievement.
Newport Development
The building is really taking shape now!
A significant milestone in construction …the roof being completed.
