Link Wentworth, a leading community housing provider, and Head Start Homes, a not-for-profit organisation providing home ownership options, have joined forces to increase access to home ownership in Australia. Together, they aim to break intergenerational poverty, cycles of disadvantage, and homelessness.
Housing is a human right but, unfortunately, too many Australians are struggling to find secure housing. In fact, the rate of homelessness is increasing faster than Australia’s overall population growth. According to the Australian Homelessness Monitor 2022 report, the monthly average of people using homelessness services rose by eight per cent from 2017-18 to 2021-22.
However, there is hope. Through the Head Start program, which provides pathways to home ownership for people living in social and affordable housing, individuals and families can experience the stability that comes with a secure home letting them focus on their life goals and move beyond survival mode.
Andrew McAnulty, CEO, Link Wentworth, said, “Surging living costs, devastating natural disasters, historically high house prices, and nine consecutive interest rate hikes have made it increasingly difficult to save for a deposit and secure a home loan, making it almost impossible for many people to own their own home. This is a problem that has always been felt by those in the lower-income groups but is now also affecting a broader demographic of Australian households.
“In response to this crisis, Link Wentworth is excited to partner with Head Start Homes and provide practical and suitable housing solutions to people in need. As one of Australia’s largest community housing providers, we are committed to providing more homes and better services to create a brighter future for people facing housing stress and homelessness. Our collaboration with Head Start Homes will let us expand our reach and offer more people a path to homeownership.”
The partnership has already made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals, such as Smita, a single mother who never thought owning a home would be possible. After living with her sister for a year, Smita applied for affordable housing and was approved for a Link Wentworth-managed two-bedroom apartment in the same suburb as her sister and close to her son’s daycare and support networks.
Being in affordable housing gave Smita a sense of safety and stability, letting her focus on her life goals. After a few years of living in her much-loved apartment, Smita discovered the owner wanted to sell. Thanks to a first-home buyers’ scheme and her newfound financial stability, Smita was able to put in an offer and purchase the property. Smita credits Link Wentworth’s partnership with the Head Start program for giving her the confidence to pursue her homeownership dream.
The Head Start program works as a guarantor for those currently residing in social and affordable housing who can afford a home loan but may be unable to secure the deposit or fund lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI). Head Start Homes offers a range of empowerment products and services to overcome the three major barriers to homeownership: deposit; know-how; and supply.
These products and services include free budgeting tools, expert advice, and customised savings plans, along with a free property coach and access to discounted services such as conveyancing. Head Start Homes also partners with participating banks to offer bespoke home loans called the Head Start Pledge, which offers reduced deposits, mortgage insurance, interest rates, and fees.
To apply for the Head Start program, renters can visit the Head Start Homes website to check their eligibility and express their interest through the form provided. Once approved, they will be assigned a support person who will work with them to improve their financial capability, educate them about the home-buying process, and provide ongoing support through the homeownership journey.
The partnership between Link Wentworth and Head Start Homes helps more individuals and families access affordable home ownership solutions. Through collaboration with community housing providers like Link Wentworth, Head Start Homes can create a powerful network that can offer a wide range of housing solutions to those who need it most.
To learn more about Head Start Homes and its affordable homeownership options, visit www.headstarthomes.com.au.
To register your interest at Head Start Homes, visit https://www.headstarthomes.org.au/apply.
To see a list of state and federal government home ownership initiatives, visit https://www.linkwentworth.org.au/articles/state-and-federal-government-home-ownership-initiatives/.
Link Wentworth wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we work and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.