An independent report has recommend expanding a pilot project that provides no interest loans and case work support to people struggling to find rental accommodation in Whittlesea.
The report by Swinburne Institute for Social Research’s Sharon Parkinson recommends the project be scaled up by seeking a mix of public and private funds and sourcing recurrent funding, as well as strengthening relationships with local real estate agents.
In 2013, Epping-based community agency Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) began trialling the project in response to a growing tide of homelessness in the community.
WCC’s project co-ordinator Peta Falou said the flexibility of the project was one of its greatest strengths.
“We’re up to nine people who have repaid their loan and we have only had one person default,” she said.
Since its roll-out, the project has passed on almost $19,000 in no-interest loans to 18 people, plus housing support for another 136 clients.
Ms Falou said the main client groups are women, single parents and new arrivals to Australia, all receiving Centrelink income support. Typically, people have repaid or are continuing to repay between $20 and $50 off their loans each fortnight over a year, she said.
WCC is seeking funding for another case worker.
Lexi Cottee
