WELFARE agency ac.care has been formally recognised for excellence in professional practice at the 2017 Australasian Housing Institute awards.
The ac.care homelessness services team won the Leading Community Engagement Practice Award for the development of a Tenancy Education (TED) Program, implemented as a homelessness prevention strategy.
Homelessness and Aboriginal services manager Trish Spark said the program showcased ac.care’s collaborative partnerships with the community.
“The TED program is delivered by ac.care’s homelessness services in collaboration with other ac.care services, our Adult Community Education (ACE), financial counselling and housing services,” Ms Spark said.
“We collaborate with private rental agents, employment agencies, mental health support providers and prospective employers to maximise the positive economic and social outcomes for clients.”
Ms Spark said of 130 participants in the TED program in 2016, 80pc were successful in finding and maintaining a sustainable tenancy.
“TED provides the opportunity for clients to take some control over their future and engage with the wider community to improve outcomes in the areas of housing, employment and social inclusion,” Ms Spark said.
“The program raises awareness within the community of homelessness and disadvantage – that this is a whole of community issue which can only be solved by community involvement.”
The one and a half day program is conducted once a month in the Limestone Coast, Murray Mallee and Riverland regions.
“The TED program is a community engagement project and a homelessness preventative strategy to help people learn skills to gain or retain a tenancy,” Ms Spark said.
“Clients learn presentation skills, tips about energy consumption, budgeting and reducing expenditure, goal setting, time management, and employment expectations.
“They are able to meet with housing agents and discuss their needs, talk with prospective employers and improve their self-esteem and confidence to improve their life situation.”
Ms Spark said ac.care had formed strong relationships with private real estate agents and employers.
“Employers, private rental agents and energy advisors attend the program each month and present on their relevant topic – they interact with clients, answer their questions and impart their knowledge to ensure clients are well prepared for the rental market and employment opportunities,” Ms Spark said.
“A local salon provides makeovers for clients free of charge and with the utmost respect from salon staff to improve clients self-esteem.
“These relationships mean the community has a much better understanding of homelessness and why people become homeless.
“There is an increased empathy toward homeless clients and a willingness to provide opportunities.”
