Westpac extends its support for a further 3 years

Head Start Homes has secured another three years of support from Westpac with an agreement that will create home ownership opportunities for more people.

Stephen Woodlands, Managing Director of Head Start Homes (HSH), said the ongoing support from Westpac was crucial in creating opportunities to help more clients.

“Westpac has backed us from the beginning, with their generous and unwavering commitment to our vision of a safe and stable home for everyone,” he said. 

“We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for our services over the past six months, and we know this continued partnership is helping families move forward to financial independence, so we extend our heartfelt thanks to Westpac.   
“Our home ownership pathways have far-reaching positive ripple effects because home ownership is one of the best ways to reduce homelessness and intergenerational poverty.”

The continued partnership is part of Westpac’s broader strategy to increase access to housing for all Australians and comes at a time when low-income families are needing innovative and accessible options into home ownership.

Richard Burton, Westpac’s Managing Director of Mortgages, said extending the partnership will provide further opportunities to get more Australians into homes.

“Our partnership with Head Start Homes to date has helped more than 100 families gain access to savings plans,” he said.

“We’re confident we can help provide even more people with affordable housing options and support innovative solutions to help address the current housing affordability crisis,” he said.
“We’ve recently announced our involvement in the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme which will extend to Head Start Homes clients, and we’re also proud of our involvement with Head Start Homes in the Wollongong Recycling Home Ownership Program, with several families progressing their journey towards home ownership in the Wollongong Local Council area.”

Mr. Woodlands said HSH’s Empowerment Services, including access to dedicated savings plans, credit scores and property coaches, were valuable tools in supporting eligible clients to reach their home ownership goals, particularly with current cost of living pressures.

“Owning your own home is about so much more than creating financial security; it provides families with a sense of physical and emotional safety. This can be life changing, particularly for our clients who face significant barriers into home ownership,” he said.

About Head Start Homes 

With our vision for a safe and stable home for everyone with fair and practical pathways to home ownership, Head Start Homes is advancing a more equitable home ownership system by disrupting homelessness, intergenerational poverty and cycles of disadvantage. 

We achieve this by providing innovative products and services that empower our clients to achieve their home ownership dreams and exit rental accommodation. To be eligible, clients must meet income thresholds or live in social or affordable housing. Most of our clients are single mums, First Nations Peoples or households with a disability. 

With the support of more than 100 businesses, government agencies and charities, we foster innovation and collaboration to achieve our vision. We are accredited as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt community service organisation. 

*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability and funding. Head Start Homes is not a home loan lender and does not provide financial advice. Head Start Homes Limited ACN 620 944 532