4
The program model in practice
The WCC Housing Brokerage and Support program
includes housing information and referral offered
to any client presenting for housing assistance and
a more targeted brokerage support program
offered to a smaller number of targeted clients
assessed as being in need of direct financial
assistance. The section to follow examines the
practices within the WCC housing and support
program to overcome the barriers to accessing a
private rental property by implementing the
following elements:
Increase access to community supports to
resolve complex issues which may impact
on housing.
Increase access to social and specialist
housing for clients unable to afford
private rental.
The specific service objectives are to:
Provide an interest free housing
brokerage loan to leverage clients who
are homeless or at risk of homelessness
into the private rental market.
Provide support and assistance to clients
navigating the private rental application
process.
Provide support and assistance to clients
to resolve complex issues which may
impact on their ability to sustain private
rental accommodation.
Provide advocacy support to clients who
are homeless or at risk of homelessness
and are unable to financially sustain
private rental accommodation.
Governance
Establishment of a working group of
internal WCC staff from legal, settlement
and client services teams.
Establishment of collaborative working
relationships and oversight from local
estate agents.
Development of policy and procedures for
flexible loan management.
Individual brokerage and support
Provision of interest free brokerage loan
mechanism to help leverage clients into
the private rental market combined with
one-on-one support to resolve or stabilize
other complex issues influencing their
ability to sustain the tenancy.
The key target groups for brokerage and
support include individuals and households
who are:
Individual housing & advocacy support
Individually tailored support and
casework related to housing needs
support including liaison with real estate
agents, providing information about
support available, and completion of
forms.
Private rental sector education and advocacy
Informing local community groups and
agencies about access to the private
rental market and training for real estate
agents.
The broad aims of the service are to:
Increase access to the private rental
market for low income earners and the
socially disadvantaged and thus reduce
homelessness.
Increase the capacity of clients to sustain
private rental accommodation.
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