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:
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.
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
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.
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]
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