Annual Report 2019

A year of inspiration & growth

Creating pathways for lasting change

Hope is the engine room of Head Start Homes. It powers everything we do. It is the belief that with equal access to opportunity, empowered individuals can open their own doors to brighter futures. It is the understanding that humans are inherently good and have an inner desire to create a fairer and more inclusive Australia in which everyone can flourish. Stephen Woodlands, Founder

We are proud to share with you recent achievements as we work together towards our vision of a safe and stable home for every Australian with fair and practical pathways into home ownership.

As we celebrate the commencement of our Mid-North Coast Pilot Program in NSW, we’d like to thank the generosity of all who have contributed to date, in particular our Founding Partner Westpac and our Pilot Project Partners St.George Bank, Community Housing Limited (CHL), and Mercy Foundation.

More than ever, housing solutions are needed for Australians who are on low incomes, those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and those who have had to face personal crises and structural disadvantage, often with young children. Chair of Head Start Homes Karen Walsh shares;

As Head Start Homes continues to grow, I look forward to hearing the stories and seeing the difference that our solution will make to the lives of so many for whom secure housing and home ownership are currently a distant dream. 

As we build a community of individuals, businesses and charities who are committed to addressing housing poverty in Australia, we have received over $795,000 worth of in-kind support from many different businesses, while our army of volunteers have contributed well over $100,000 worth of time to our cause in the last 12 months alone.

Leading our community of passionate individuals and supporting organisations, Head Start Homes Founder & Managing Director Stephen Woodlands shares;

While our vision is bold, we know we have an innovative and sustainable solution. Paired with our key driving forces of hope and heart, together we will open doors to brighter futures. 

These and many other achievements were celebrated recently at our second AGM, held at Westpac on November 19. Further event details and images can be viewed by clicking here.

We invite you to read through our latest report that demonstrates the milestones and achievements of the past 12 months, and highlights the voice of those who have experienced disadvantage and life in community housing, and who are now looking forward to a future free of housing poverty.

Highlights

  • We highlight the wonderful progress being made by our applicants in our Mid-North Coast Pilot who have had on average a 280% increase in their savings (see page 17)

  • We acknowledge the support being provided by our 75+ supporter organisations whose in-kind contribution was $795,117 this year and a total contribution to date of $1.34m (see page 64)

  • We outline the support being provided by the Community Housing Sectors with 20 Organisations having joined our Community Housing Action Group (see page 40)

  • We value the work of a sample of our volunteers over to be worth over $100,000 (page 66). Currently, we have over 100 volunteers.

  • We explain our social return on investment model. The model highlights our multiplier effect in action. For example, a $1 donation will create $4.84 in social return in year 1 which then extends to $29.04 by year 50 (see page 55).