Local renters invited to apply for Head Start Homes’ Wollongong Recycling Home Ownership Program
Wollongong residents invited to apply for affordable home ownership program
We are excited to be announcing the official launch of our Wollongong Recycling Home Ownership Program.
The dream of owning your own home will soon become a reality for some renters living within the Wollongong Local Government Area thanks to funding provided by the Wollongong City Council.
Local residents on low to moderate incomes are now invited to apply to Head Start Homes (HSH) to be part of the program, which will provide a pathway for eligible clients to purchase their own home with a Head Start Pledge home loan through St. George Bank.
The Westpac Group, including St.George Bank, is the founding partner of Head Start Homes and has supported the organisation since 2018 by providing eligible HSH clients access to the Head Start Pledge home loan - a home loan guaranteed by HSH that removes the need for customers to save for a deposit or pay mortgage insurance.
The new program has been made possible by Wollongong City Council, which last year called for new and innovative ways of delivering affordable housing and service delivery options.
Stephen Woodlands, Founder and Managing Director for Head Start Homes
Gordon Bradbery AM, Wollongong City Lord Mayor
Cheryl Beddoes, St.George Regional General Manager South Coast
Stephen Woodlands, HSH Founder and Managing Director, said the $1.3 million scheme would provide practical solutions to home-ownership barriers faced by tenants and lower income earners living in the Wollongong Local Government Area.
“Our vision is for a safe and stable home for everyone. Through our range of Empowerment Services*, we are creating pathways to home ownership for people who never thought owning their own home would be possible,” he said.
"In turn, this life-changing support will help to free up more affordable rental housing for other families in need, which means the community benefit flows on.”
Wollongong City Lord Mayor, Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM, said “it was a small investment for a greater good.”
“Through the Head Start Homes model, the funds allocated by Council will be recycled to help support home ownership and I encourage people to look at what Head Start Homes has to offer,’’ he said.
Westpac and St.George Regional General Manager South Coast, Cheryl Beddoes, said:
“Helping local families and tenants into their own homes through the HSH and Wollongong City Council Recycling Home Program is a great new initiative we’re proud to support.”
Potential clients need to be currently living in and buying in the Wollongong LGA and meet Head Start Homes standard eligibility criteria.
Funding is provided through the Affordable Housing Program, an initiative that came about through a Commonwealth grant under the Building Better Regional Cities program to Wollongong City Council.
To apply or to find out more, residents living in the Wollongong Local Government Area should visit www.headstarthomes.org.au/wollongong
Funding is provided through the Affordable Housing Program, an initiative that came about through a Commonwealth grant under the Building Better Regional Cities program to Wollongong City Council.
To find out more or to apply, residents living in the Wollongong local government area can go to: https://www.headstarthomes.org.au/wollongong
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.
*Empowerment Products and Services
Head Start Savings Plans support eligible clients to become more financially capable and mortgage ready. This includes access to a dedicated Head Start support person, budgeting resources and credit check support.
Head Start Recycling Guarantee helps to remove the need for a bank deposit and lender's mortgage insurance, providing access to lower bank fees and interest rates.
Head Start Purchase empowers eligible clients to find the right home and provides access to a free property coach, property learning resources and discounted services like conveyancing.
*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
