Our response to COVID19

 
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There has been unprecedented change in Australia and the world due to the COVID-19 crisis. Head Start Homes has proactively responded to the changes posed by the crisis and has implemented a number of measures to adapt and mitigate risk, with the wellbeing of our clients and staff as our top priority. As the outbreak continues to impact households and communities in all parts of Australia, we remain acutely aware of the needs of vulnerable households who face poverty and/or housing insecurity. As such, we have taken steps to respond appropriately to the conditions Head Start Homes and our clients now face.

Head Start Homes Response

The Head Start Homes (HSH) Board has approved a response that incorporates the following measures:

  • A pause on providing Head Start Guarantees until further notice.

  • The above decision will be reviewed weekly by a Property Risk Committee (PRC) appointed by the Board.

  • Providing Guarantees may resume when there is a) endorsement by the PRC and b) approval by the HSH Board.

  • Head Start Homes staff and volunteers are to conduct all meetings remotely (unless a face to face meeting is essential) until business resumes as usual. 

Property Risk Committee

The Board has now appointed a Property Risk Committee (PRC), which has been meeting weekly to discuss what is occurring across industries and businesses. The PRC is attended by representatives from 11 organisations including Westpac, the Aboriginal Housing Office, Community Housing Limited, Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Flint Property. Attendees are specialists in the mortgages, property, valuations, credit risk and charitable sectors.

At weekly meetings, PRC members discuss the decision to pause the HSH guarantee and make relevant recommendations to the Board. The PRC Committee will seek Board approval to reinstate the HSH Guarantee when it is deemed necessary.

Future focused

Our next steps in supporting clients to progress their home ownership pathway will recommence as guided by our Property Risk Committee and our Board. With our client’s wellbeing and home prices as key considerations, we will continue our activities in providing the Head Start Guarantee when it is considered beneficial and safe to do so. In the meantime, we continue to deliver our empowerment services, which are presently supporting multiple households to become mortgage-ready through improved financial literacy and capacity building support.

We believe Head Start Homes is in a strong position to navigate through the current crisis with risk mitigation plans already in place, and a renewed focus to come out of the current environment with an enhanced offering for our clients.

If you are a current Head Start Homes client, and would like to further discuss the impact of COVID19 on your personal circumstances please don’t hesitate to get in touch via contact@headstarthomes.org.au

 
Stephen WoodlandsComment