A vulnerable north coast NSW family will be given a unique opportunity to own their home thanks to a grant from Lendlease to community service organisation, Head Start Homes (HSH).

Lendlease FutureSteps and Community Enterprise Foundation™ has provided HSH with a grant of $110,000 as part of its Pathway to Independence project.

Head Start Homes’ Founder and Managing Director, Stephen Woodlands, said he was thrilled with the generosity shown by Lendlease.

“This grant will enable a family living in social housing their first chance of becoming homeowners through our Head Start Guarantee pathway,” he said.

“In turn, this will free up social housing for another family in need which means the community benefit flows on. We are incredibly appreciative of Lendlease for their support.”

Woodlands said the HSH Guarantee removed the need for a house deposit and mortgage insurance – meaning that HSH acted in a similar capacity as parents who provide a parental guarantee for their children when they take out a home loan.

“We work closely with our clients to empower and educate them on every aspect of home ownership, giving them the essential knowledge. No other organisation in Australia provides support along the home ownership journey like we do.

“Head Start Homes is working to reduce homelessness and give more people fair and practical pathways to home ownership. To date, we have helped six households who were in social housing purchase their own homes and as a result, six households on a waitlist have moved into newly vacated community housing,” he said.

Lendlease Australia CEO and Chair of the FutureSteps Committee, Dale Connor, said the Lendlease FutureSteps Program is finding new ways to support our most vulnerable.

“Key causes of housing stress and homelessness in Australia are varied, worsened by a shortage of social and affordable housing. The $110,000 FutureSteps grant made to Head Start Homes’ Pathway to Independence project will support a vulnerable family to own their own home, and help alleviate stress in community housing.”

“Lendlease has a long history of striving to improve social and economic outcomes to support people today, and into the future. This grant offers life-changing, practical support to families who are finding their path to independence,” Connor said.

About Head Start Homes  

HSH reduces homelessness, poverty and frees up social housing by helping single mums, First Nations Peoples and other families living in community housing buy their own home, without a bank deposit via its Head Start Guarantee and Empowerment Services.

With the support of over 100 businesses and charities, HSH opens doors to brighter futures by harnessing innovation and fostering collaboration.

HSH is accredited as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt Community Service Organisation, and its vision is for a safe and stable home for everyone with fair and practical pathways into home ownership.