A new pilot program by Australia’s largest not-for-profit employment services provider aims to break down one of the biggest barriers facing its vulnerable job seekers.
Workskil Australia has launched Home2Work – a unique non-profit program to provide stable housing to disadvantaged customers, to be trialled in Adelaide and Perth.
“Our research shows that one in five registered job seekers have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity,” Workskil Australia CEO Nicole Dwyer said.
“That’s up from about one in ten just two years ago, which is a staggering and deeply concerning increase.
“The lack of affordable accommodation and the rental crisis are pushing job seekers out into the streets. It’s got to the stage that, at times, our only option to provide immediate shelter is to give out swags and tents to our clients at the same time as trying to schedule job interviews for them.
“Homelessness is a major impediment to finding and holding down a job.
“People experiencing homelessness report increased instances of mental health challenges, stress and discrimination. For those who land a job, it’s a struggle to maintain employment with one quarter falling out of work within the first six months.”
Under its Home2Work program, Workskil Australia has purchased one and two bedroom homes in Adelaide North and Perth South.
The homes are being made available to eligible registered Workskil Australia job seekers at below-market rents, with tenants moving in from May 2024.
In total, Workskil Australia has purchased 10 properties in each region for the initial pilot and provide to job seekers on a 12-month lease, with an option to renew for another year.
Workskil Australia has partnered with not-for-profit housing providers Unity Housing in Adelaide and Community Housing Limited (CHL) in Perth, who will provide additional tenant and property management and social support services to tenants.
“We’ve very deliberately sought out property and tenant management partners who align with our mission and values and understand our aim to improve lives of vulnerable Australians rather than profit from these homes,” Ms Dwyer said.
The Home2Work program is understood to be the first time an employment service provider has invested in the private rental market as part of a charitable mission.
