In December 2016, single mother Jo was given 60 days to vacate her rental home as it was due for sale. With Christmas so close and most businesses already closed for the holidays, she was shattered and concerned about finding a new place to rent.
She tried to persuade the land agent to give an extension but received no response to her requests. She started the search for a new home for her small family by applying for public housing and searching for homeless shelters, and in this process found HomeGround Real Estate (HGRE).
Jo applied for the Affordable Housing Initiative and was granted a property at sub market rent. Moving into her new home was a relief and she was finally able to breathe easy.
She started planning for the future, reassured that she no longer needed new schooling arrangements for her two sons aged 10 and 13.
Jo says, “With housing no longer an issue, I was able to resume normal daily functions and perform at work without the nagging worry of homelessness.”
She says that access to a suitable property with HomeGround Real Estate has given her stability at so many different levels.
Her boys were able to continue to access the quality schools, programs and facilities in the area she lived, and her older son was able to start his first year in his chosen high school as planned.
More importantly they were able to be close to their support network of friends and neighbours.
HomeGround Real Estate provides rental providers and renters with professional property management services. For Jo, the difference in customer service and professionalism shown by staff is pleasantly surprising.
Having experienced the opposite with mainstream real estate agencies she notes that HomeGround Real Estate staff are respectful and treat people with dignity.
Jo says the agency provides professional real estate services with heart, and property managers promptly respond to enquiries and maintenance requests.
“[HomeGround Real Estate is a] progressive ever-evolving organisation that networks with organisations and individuals in our community to bring together precious resource in delivering relevant, real-world and life changing solutions to the ever growing issue of homelessness.” – Jo, HGRE Renter
The Home Ground Real Estate model is an innovative model designed to increase affordable housing supply in the community and address the growing issue of homelessness.
As a social enterprise operated by Launch Housing, HGRE partners with the community members to provide more housing for those in a crisis.
A recent partnership with Yarra Trams through their inaugural Community Partnerships Program has provided new opportunities for us to collaborate on solutions to end homelessness.
Learn more about the Yarra Trams Community Partnership.
