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Property managers are going above and beyond to assist people in need, with a number of new initiatives highlighting the industry’s propensity to give back to their communities.
In Perth, ACTON Rockingham has thrown its support behind an initiative by BP and the Salvation Army - “Project New Dawn”.
According to ACTON, the project has been running for several years in the eastern states and aims to help people who are homeless and unemployed by providing them with housing and stable employment within BP. Rockingham is just the seventh city Australia-wide to be involved in the initiative.
ACTON Rockingham said it helped them find their first home in the area.
Property manager Liz McLoughlin said she received the call for help a couple of months ago, but they didn't have anything suitable at the time. However she wanted to help and kept her eye out for an appropriate property.
The 12 month old, three bedroom two bathroom Waikiki unit is privately owned and the owner is happy to be involved with the program. BP will underwrite the lease, which is for 12 months, and provide a minimum of 20 hours work per week at its retail stores.
A Salvation Army officer will move into the home with the male tenants.
"It's hard to get a job without having a place to live and it's hard to find somewhere to live without a job, so it's a bit of a vicious circle for people in this situation," said Ms McLoughlin.
In the ACT, the Real Estate Institute of ACT (REIACT) has become involved in a program that aims to help migrants find a rental property.
Led by the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT (MARSS), the ‘Investors can help’ initiative aims to educate the Canberra investment community about the need for housing and ways in which they can help.
According to MARSS’ website, MARSS will aim to find suitable tenants for a property and will provide assistance to the tenant with the relevant documentation relating to the tenancy. “MARSS representatives will also carry out on-site support visits and inspections, to ensure the property is being maintained well,” the organisation said.
“Furthermore, MARSS will act as guarantors on behalf of the tenants, in a bid to address any concerns arising out of the tenancy and provided interpreting services where required.”
“MARSS will also coordinate the process of placing suitable clients in appropriate homes, thus reducing unnecessary costs that may have to be incurred by potential landlords.”
MARSS said it is contracted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to deliver settlement services to new humanitarian entrants/refugees arriving in the ACT and surrounds.
“MARSS believes that there will be landlords in Canberra who believe that making money and helping others are not mutually exclusive,” the organisation added on its website.
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