THE HOUSING CRISIS RESPONSE FUND (CRF)
The ACF have created this fund in direct response to the housing shortages and cost of living crisis in the Great Southern. The four front line agencies that not only designed this new initiative but who will also be administering it will work closely with Advance Housing and the Department of Communities amongst others who will all be able to refer eligible clients to the four participating agencies. The partnering agencies are:
Anglicare WA
PIVOT Support Services
Albany Youth Support Association
Palmerston
The ACF has put aside $70,000 to seed a fund which all service agencies in Albany can access for the specific intent of providing crisis funding to keep vulnerable members of our community with a secure roof over their heads. This is perhaps THE most important form of help that we can provide and can help to prevent peoples' lives spiralling out of control. The frontline agencies have collectively agreed on criteria to identify eligible individuals / families, what items can be funded and the mechanics and safeguards to ensure smooth administration of the funds. A summary of these key points include:
The applicant MUST demonstrate they are under severe housing stress to the extent their tenancy is compromised
One application per household is permitted to a maximum value of $2000
All debts must be verified
Applicants must engage with support agencies with a view to finding longer term solutions
Applicants MUST attend financial counselling at Anglicare WA – the financial counsellor has the final say on release of funds
Permitted items include
Mortgage / Rent arrears
Fixed Housing costs e.g., insurance / rates
Utility arrears
Necessary household items e.g., fridge, washing machine, bedding
Necessary relocation / maintenance/ or standards assessment costs
Other costs deemed appropriate by the financial counsellor
CALL TO ACTION
The ACF is asking all members of our network to consider the unique and collaborative approach and to provide support wherever possible.
If you have capacity to support this initiative, we invite you to make a contribution to help us reach our goal of raising $500,000 which will sustain the CRF while we work to build a bridge to a more sustainable future.
Contact us at donate@acfwa.com.au for more information, or make a donation via a bank deposit;
Account name: ALBANY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
BSB: 066 500
Account No: 10555784
Description: HOUSING CRF along with your name, or you may prefer to remain anonymous.
Please email us if you require a tax receipt.
