Supporting People in Share Housing SPin

Paul Tommasini, CEO, Ipswich Independent Youth Services

Arlene Lewis – Housing Coordinator, Churches of Christ Housing Services

About SPin• DHPW, CofCHS and IIYS created and piloted the SPin

model.• First house commenced January 2015 and second house

commenced August 2015. Third house came online May 2017.

• Local response (Ipswich LGA) to address the barriers faced by young single people on low to moderate incomes including:‒ lack of rental history;‒ the perceived risk to private landlords;‒ the lack of one bedroom housing stock.

• Provides transitional tenancies for up to 3 single young (16-25 yrs.) people per 3 bedroom property.

• Addresses gap in market.

Repurposing 3 bedroom stock

Maximise use of public housing assets

Clients and Outcomes

• 18 young people assisted through the program (7 females & 11 males)

• Average age of clients:

(F = 18.5 yrs. & M = 20.5 yrs.)

• 39% Indigenous

• Total exits – 13

• Female exits Private rental - 3 Family – 1

• Male exits Private rental – 6 Family – 2 Public Housing - 1

• Exits to secure and sustainable accommodation – 100%

• Exited within the last 6 months & still in secure and sustainable accommodation – 100%

• Minimal rental arrears – with no NTLs

• Little to no property damage

• No tenant disputes requiring intervention

• No neighbour complaints – neighbours supportive!

• No tenants exited with a debt

Case Management Support post SPin: 7 people engaged in follow up support 3 people moved out of the area 3 people did not want ongoing support

As at May 2017

The Model Solves over supply of three bedroom properties

Rent based on 30% of Youth Allowance + services, plus rent assistance!

Rent and services payable per week $110 (per occupant – fixed – including electricity, gas, internet and furniture)

Contributes to under supply of 1 bedroom properties

Rent assessed at 25% of income (attracts no rent assistance!)

Rent payable per week $53

SPin Model Social Housing Modelvs

Client disposable income (after rent)$160.40 per week

Social housing subsidy = $167(approx.) Social housing subsidy = $25 (approx.)

Client disposable income (after rent)$152.40 per week

Income remaining after (elec/gas/furniture/internet)$95 per week (approx.)

Income remaining$152.40 per week + additional $ saved on sharing food, transport, cleaning products etc.

Unviable for providers & creates housing barriers for young people

Viable for providers & increases housing supply for young people

Unrealistic rental ledger (inability to demonstrate affordability to Real Estates)

Realistic rental ledger for similar type housing or University accommodation

Collaborative Partnership

Funder & Landlord

Tenancy and Property Manager

Individual case management

support

Each tenant has their own lease (3 separate tenancies per house)

Each tenant has their own case manager SPin is supported by the IIYS Practice Framework

– ‘the IIYS Way’

Client

The IIYS Way…

The IIYS Way is underpinned by three practice tenets:1. We develop positive purposeful

relationships2. We focus on strengths3. We invest in community

The IIYS Way draws on:Relational Cultural Theory and

Practice – Positive Purposeful Relationships

Strengths-Based PracticeCommunity Development Practice

Micro methodCommunity Development Practice

Mezzo methodTranstheoretical Model - Process of

ChangeEcological Systems and Emergent

Learning Theory and Practice -Levels of Engagement

The IIYS Way is supported by the IIYS Case Mix Methodology.

The IIYS Way…

Culture is not a domain, instead it is a lens through which we review all

domains.

• IIYS Case Managers support young people to explore the seven life Domains in the context of their own life.

• The young person has unique connections to each Domain, they may engage in different Domain’s at different levels and in different ways.

• Each Domain is linked, both directly and indirectly.

Where to from here? • The SPin model is currently a pilot and could become a program.• SPin is currently only for young people. The model can be adapted

to various target groups.• The program is only delivered in the Ipswich LGA. It could be

delivered in other regions.• SPin currently uses one support agency. Future support could be

delivered by multiple agencies (it was designed this way – individual case managers)

• SPin shows what can be achieved without the need for new resources.

• It was designed with the intention of informing the development of housing policies (the future), whilst solving a problem (the present).

Lessons Learned? • Requires Residential Services registration for non-government

owned stock.• Requires revised financial modelling for use of private market stock• Requires exemptions from Social Housing rent policy• Requires approval for targeted allocations• Requires solid partnership agreement

With stable supported accommodation, Dean has been able to address some issues, sort through his finances and is looking for work in the hospitality industry as a bar tender. Daniel has identified his keen interest in pursuing a career in information and communication technology and is working towards finalising a course in ICT.

Client Stories