Head Start Homes at the 6th National Housing and Homelessness Forum

Update from Our Founder, Stephen Woodlands

It was an honour to present at the 6th National Housing and Homelessness Forum, where I had the opportunity to delve into the transformative work of Head Start Homes. Our presentation, "Disrupting the System so that Our Single Mum and First Nations Clients Have Equal Access to Home Ownership," was a call to action showcasing of our dedication to making home ownership a fair and attainable goal for all.

We discussed the tailored pathways we create for our lower-income clients, helping them transition from rental housing (including social and affordable housing) to becoming proud home owners. Our innovative services and products are designed to empower our clients, making them mortgage-ready and confident in their journey towards home ownership.

One of the most impactful moments was showcasing Kera's journey into homeownership. Her story is a powerful testament to the possibilities that unfold when we provide support and trust to those striving for a better future. You can watch Kera's inspiring video below.

Our up-and-coming efforts in increasing community housing via our Wollongong Affordable Rent to Buy solution highlighted the tangible impact of our initiatives to increase housing supply. The power of collaboration and innovation was a central theme, emphasising how these elements are crucial in making the home ownership system fairer for everyone.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the amazing people I met at the conference including those from the Northern Territory and South Australia.

A special mention to the conference Chair and former Head Start Homes Chair, Karen Walsh. A true powerhouse in shaping the landscape of housing and homelessness solutions.

I also want to express my gratitude to John Engler from Shelter and Davyn de Bruyn. The synergy between our presentations was noticeable, with each focusing on empowerment, trust, and love. It was truly heart-warming to witness how our collective efforts centre around these core values, creating a unified front in our fight against inequality.

As we reflect on the forum's discussions and insights, let's carry forward the momentum to disrupt the system and pave the way for a future where homeownership is accessible to all. Together, we can build a world where trust, love, and empowerment are the cornerstones of a fair and just housing system.

Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey.