WestpacWire highlights our Founder’s story as a driver for change.

“We received crisis accommodation in a hidden location. It was an extremely scary time, especially for mum, and we will be forever grateful to those who helped us during this time. I couldn’t have predicted then how much those few years would guide my life and career.”

We invite you to check out the recent Westpac Wire article featuring our Founder and Managing Director, Stephen Woodlands. 

In this article, Stephen discusses how experiencing homelessness as a young boy would guide his life and career. Stephen reflects on his mother's experiences as a single mother raising three children in social housing, and how the challenges she faced motivated them to create holistic pathways from social housing to homeownership. Within the article, Stephen also discusses four key barriers faced by those living in social housing which includes the deposit, know-how, supply and unconscious bias barriers.

Stephen said:

“Sharing my story has never come naturally to me. By doing so, I hope you can get a better understanding of the plight faced by both those trying to get into social housing as well as those trying to get out once they are back on their feet. Equal access to homeownership shouldn’t be seen as gift, it should be a right. A big thanks to Westpac and all of our other supporters and volunteers for making equal access to homeownership more of a reality.”

Westpac, our Founding Partner, has been a strong supporter of Head Start Homes since our inception, collaborating with us to bring about meaningful solutions for our single mum, First Nations, and community housing clients. Head Start Homes has benefited greatly from this amazing partnership, from start-up funds to volunteers who have contributed countless hours.