The Liberal National Government has unveiled an innovative trial program to help social housing applicants move from the waiting list into the private rental market.
Housing Minister Brendon Grylls said the Assisted Rental Pathways Trial would support 200 applicants and over-income tenants for up to four years.
"The trial has already been fully subscribed with eligible and interested participants who will receive subsidised rent and support to help them move successfully into the private rental market," Mr Grylls said.
"Our aim is to take some of the pressure off the social housing waiting list and reduce the cost to Government while helping people improve their circumstances. With many housing solutions being capital intensive to deliver, the trial takes advantage of current rental market conditions and offers investors guaranteed rental income."
In 2016, the State Government invited community service organisations to apply for grant funding to work with the Housing Authority to deliver a range of services as part of the trial program.
From 14 applications, Housing awarded grant funding to Centrecare, the Salvation Army, Outcare and Multicultural Services WA, up to a combined value of $6 million over four years. The organisations will provide individually tailored support services to help tenants connect to employment and training services, develop financial skills, plan and set goals, and eventually become self-sufficient.
"Their role will include sourcing suitable rental properties, providing ongoing monitoring and support for participants, as well as undertaking data collection and reporting for Housing's evaluation process," the Minister said.
"This trial is a crucial step towards creating pathways beyond social housing and breaking the 'house for life' mentality."
The Assisted Rental Pathways Trial forms part of the Liberal National Government's $564 million Social Housing Investment Package. The investment will halve the number of seniors' and families with children on the priority waitlist by June 30, 2017, and along with other Housing Authority initiatives, will deliver 1,000 additional homes to benefit those most in need in our community.
Fact File
The total budget for the Assisted Rental Pathways Trial is $14 million ($6 million for support services and $8 million for rental subsidies)
At November 30, 2016, 25,342 affordable housing opportunities have been delivered under the State Government's Affordable Housing Strategy 2010-2020
At December 31, 2016, there were 17,997 applications on the public housing waiting list, of which 1,955 were priority listed
Minister's office - 6552 6100
