Our 2023 Annual Report

We proudly share our 2023 interactive Annual Report, showcasing our groundbreaking solutions to make home ownership a reality for our clients, including single mums and First Nations Peoples. 

In this challenging climate of housing affordability, the rental crisis and long social housing waitlists, Head Start Homes has continued to make a real difference by supporting our clients to become home owners. 

Highlights of this year’s report include details of Kera’s successful home ownership journey, the recycled guarantees of our clients Hope and Chontell, the successful tender bid with Wollongong Council, the growth of our team and property coaching services, partner profiles, and a snapshot of the organisation’s extraordinary growth in 2023.  

Our Founder, Stephen Woodlands said Head Start Homes’ approach of starting with client families first and working alongside them to tailor home ownership pathways that are most suitable for them was truly revolutionary. 

“The fact that our service is free, and our Home Ownership Success Team comprises social workers and community workers makes us truly unique,” he said. 

Stephen thanked Bianca Bettley for her beautiful artwork that features on the cover of the annual report. 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Bianca Bettley, a proud Yuin, Dunghutti woman, for the stunningly beautiful creative featured in this report. Not only is it deeply meaningful, but it has also inspired us all. Thank you, Bianca!”

Head Start Homes Chair, Vanessa Chan, said it had been a year of positive growth, with the number of households being supported currently sitting at 90. 

“It has been a year of ‘good growth’, new partnerships, the bedding down of our national programs and continued innovation,” she said. 

“Year on year, more clients continue to move through their saving plans, bank assessments and property searches towards home ownership in a challenging market for home buyers. 

“This growth has been enabled by the planned increase and stabilisation in our funding base drawn from grants, donations, longer-term contracts and the continued activation of workplace and public donation programs. With this, we have advocated, innovated and strengthened the systems, supports and services we offer and importantly, expanded our team of exceptionally talented and dedicated staff, experts and collaborators.”  

Head Start Homes extends its gratitude to all of our amazing clients members, directors, staff, volunteers, and partners like Westpac Group, Aboriginal Housing Office, Wollongong City Council, The Snow Foundation, Lendlease, MinterEllison, St.George Bank, Centre for Social Finance Law, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Stockland, King & Wood Mallesons, Ms Deeds Conveyancing, HighSpec Properties - Buyers Agents, Purchase with Penny, AJB Insurance Solutions, Suburbtrends and referral partners Community Housing Ltd, Link Wentworth, and the Housing Trust.