Family of three holding hands. Image: Pixabay.
A young family in Guildford were the first to benefit from a new three-year deal with Community Housing Limited for fast-tracked, affordable medium-term housing for women and families in need.
The new partnership gives Catholic Care the right to nominate clients for affordable, suitable and secure rentals across a wider selection of properties and locations, including properties in the Parramatta and Cumberland local government areas for the first time in its 38-year history.
Executive Director Helen Emmerson said the deal significantly bolsters Catholic Care’s ability to provide secure, medium-term housing to those who are homeless or at serious risk of homelessness.
Helen said the partnership was a welcome addition to Catholic Care’s existing Houses to Homes and other family services programs.
“The rental market is so difficult right now, and this partnership enables us to cut right through the bureaucratic red tape and get more vulnerable people considered for suitable, affordable housing when they need it,” she said.
“It also enables us to tap into a wider selection of properties, meaning more homes for those at risk of homelessness in the region.”
Family reunited
Family Support Case Worker Hilary Heffernan said the partnership has already changed the life of one family – Jane, Pete and their four-year old daughter, Daisy.*
As a result of the partnership and availability of a suitable home, the family was joyfully reunited after months of split living in tragic conditions where Pete was couch surfing and Jane was in refuge shelter accommodation with her young daughter.
“This program has been absolutely life-changing for this family,” Hilary said.
“After months of dad living apart from mum and child due to hardship, we were able to bring them altogether under one roof.
“Through this partnership and Catholic Care’s wide range of holistic supports, we were able to give this family stability, a secure home and a way forward in their life.”
Holistic and compassionate care Catholic Care also supported the family with living essentials, such as the rental bond and whitegoods. The new housing partnership is also bolstered by a holistic framework of support for clients and their families.
Head of Services Brooke McGilvray said these supports include, but are not limited to, case work support, wellbeing and financial support, as well as collaboration with NSW Communities and Justice and other local agencies and ministries.
“Housing is just one piece of the puzzle for these vulnerable women and children,” Brooke said.
“We want to ensure those in need in our community receive the right support to achieve long-term housing stability and maintain a positive outcome.”
As for Jane, she feels her family is whole once again.
“We are together at last, under one roof, and I am so thankful,” she says.
“Catholic Care supported us every step of the way.
*Names have been changed.
