Housing Families Project - Orana House
We’ll be the first to admit, when approached Orana House back in 2018 we were nervous novices. Whilst we’d conducted extensive research and felt confident in our proposal to “give our employment and training program a go”, they had been experts in their field for 30+ years and could have said “No, this is too risky”. Instead, they welcomed us with open arms and gave innovation a go. They were open to disrupting current systems if it meant safer futures for their clients. They understand the power of giving survivors opportunities that have previously been witheld from them, and were the first service provider in Perth to partner with us.
They’ve shown their trail blazing grit yet again in launching their Perth first Housing Families Project - an initiative designed to match safe rental properties with women and their children who have experienced homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence that would otherwise be (mistakenly) overlooked and left in dangerous or unstable housing environments.
We recently spoke with Erin Hegarty about their life changing program.
Can you explain how the Housing Families Project is removing barriers and changing the lives of families who have escaped domestic & family violence?
Through extensive research and consultation, Orana House built the Housing Families program using grassroots development methods. Based on our findings, we identified obstacles in the private rental market for FDV survivors.
Using FDV facts, alongside our research results and experience, we break down preconceived ideas around women who have experienced FDV and their housing capacity.
Relationships are key: Community buy-in is vital to the sustainability of this program. Stakeholders must feel like they're a part of the change. We achieve this through clear communication, consensus on change and providing regular updates.
We assist our clients to be 'housing-ready' – working together with them on their applications, compiling appropriate documentation, attending home opens, and even helping with moving day.
We provide ongoing support to both tenants and property managers for the duration of the first lease to ensure a successful tenancy.
Sadly, we often have to fight against community stereotypes, such as "...those experiencing homelessness are in that position by choice." As a result, their talents are overlooked. Is this something you come up against when supporting these families in the rental market?
Negative stigmas like this are perhaps our clients' biggest hurdles in the housing sector. We are combatting this through sharing our up-to-date research, the findings of which disprove many common misperceptions. We deliver FDV presentations and promote the program within the real estate industry. At the same time, we put in the work to seek understanding from the Property Manager's perspective. With regular round table forums, we reflect and adjust the program in response to its users' ideas, experiences and needs.
We are devastated but not shocked to see the recent National Community Attitudes Survey (NCAS) in which 47% thought domestic violence did not occur in their suburb or town. What misconceptions would you like to see challenged in the community?
This is something we've seen a lot. When making the first call to PMs to ask them to complete the surveys in 2021, one lady responded with, "No, darling. That doesn't happen here. That's a low-socioeconomic issue. You need to call someone in those suburbs."
FDV isn't always visible, and denying it reinforces the structures that cause it. We must admit that it's happening everywhere and get on board together to stop it.
After living in crisis for extended periods of time, not having a fixed address for school, employment, or things we take for granted like building community, what have you experienced to be the most special shift for the women and families you've housed through this project?
Independence is freedom, and that's exactly what clients experience when they move into a private rental that they chose, applied for, and agreed to live in. They've got the independence to reenter the workforce and reengage with their kids' schooling and extra circular activities. In this way, they regain control. Seeing this is the most rewarding result.
If someone reading this has the capacity to support but still has reservations, what would you say to them?
We vet our clients, stand with them through the moving process and support them throughout their lease. They're our most ready and capable clients, and they'll make the best tenants you've ever had.
Can you tell us about one of the brilliant families you were able to house as a result of this project? What is life like for them now?
Yes, though even better, I would love to share with you her own story, in her own words.
“Some of you may know part of my story already, through the Channel 9 news coverage.
Like the fact that my kids and I lived in a refuge for 4 months, during which time I applied for close to 300 rental properties. And that when I joined the Housing Families program, Erin secured a rental for me within days.
But what I really want you to know is what happened next.
Since moving in to this home, my kids are sleeping through the night; we don’t have to keep the lights on anymore. My youngest is – finally! - fully toilet-trained. They both used to have an extreme phobia of water, because of the cruel punishments our perpetrator inflicted on them. Now, they’re so much less anxious and are thriving at school – and so am I.
I’ve gone back to uni. Recently I got my first high distinction, 97%
At the same time, I’m holding down a full-time job as Venue Manager for a high-end hospitality venue. I love it. I’ve always been a people-person, but after years of isolation under coercive control, it’s been incredible to rediscover my true nature.
Sometimes I do 7 days a week, but the hard work is paying off: I’ve been saving up for a deposit and have just purchased a house and land package. I know that I’m good at managing finances. Yet the freedom to do that was another thing my perpetrator tried to take from me.
But now the slab has gone down and my forever home should be ready in one year, at the end of my lease. I truly hope that my landlord will continue to rent this property to more women like myself.
My rent has always been paid on time, and I keep our little home immaculate. I’ve had glowing reports for my inspections, and no issues.
I’ve been keeping up my therapy appointments, because even though I’m in a much stronger place, I’m aware that maintaining good mental health is a long-term commitment.
I grew up with violence all around me, just like my mum. But that cycle ends here. My kids are surrounded by love, support and security. My son has learned to express his anger and frustration without violence. My daughter has, too. And both of them know not to accept it from anyone else.
Now the kids and I just enjoy all the little things together, that we could never do before. Like the zoo, AQWA, even playdates with friends – without that fear of drama and violent repercussions when we get home. Reclaiming our safe space as a family has been the biggest gift of all.”