VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement: “Community well being begins with appropriate housing - reflections of local government responses” Melanie Mills, City of Knox Peter Johnston, City of Darebin Kate Incerti, City of Port Phillip

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement Housing tenure potentially plays an important role in determining whether an individual is able to manage financially, and in turn, take part in social activities, have social connections, feel integrated, maintain good health and do the things they value - in essence - experience full citizenship and real engagement.

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement Research of various policy paradigms has supported the finding that local allocations policies and plans are greater aligned to sustainable communities and community building.

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement Principals of individual and community wellbeing: Developing local solutions for local communities Secure, accessible and affordable housing Housing choice within a familiar neighbourhood Optimising positive ageing and wellbeing.

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement Sponsorship Housing Programs are agreements between Councils,sometimes in partnership with other community organisations Sponsorship programs recognise previous substantial gifts of land and are supported by ongoing rate subsidies by these Councils The program is referred to in OOH Policy & Procedures and in Deeds of Agreement with local government Eligibility is generally for people aged 55+,with links to the area from all segments of OOH waiting list.

The capacity of individual Councils vary from: A smaller allocation program - Maribyrnong & Hobson’s Bay - 70 units and 90 units respectively; A medium allocation program - Knox – 260 units and Darebin – 250 units; and A larger allocation program - Port Phillip – 435 units. VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement

Sponsorship Housing Programs aim to provide a continuum of care from the first point of contact through to the applicant’s eventual exit from public housing through death or transfer to supported accommodation.

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement Assistance provided by Local Government housing officers includes: Follow up Home visits Introductions to neighbours Referral to appropriate supports Invitations to community activities Obtaining emergency contact details

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement It has been estimated that in 2050, 75% of older Australians will still be dependent on the Age pension for all or part of their income and half will be drawing the full pension.

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement Data collection based on shared learnings and experiences. This quantitative and qualitative data collection aims to identify the client’s housing needs and outcomes which include their health and social needs.

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement We plan to: Link in with the Housing and Local Government Network (HALGN) Document clearer and consistent allocation policies Explore opportunities to promote best practice Identify ways of promoting our advocacy responses to diversity, social cohesion and positive ageing Evaluate policy development processes and data collection models

VCOSS Congress 2007 Beyond Citizenship-Visions for Rights and real engagement For further information, please contact: Melanie Mills, City of Knox Peter Johnston, City of Darebin Kate Incerti, City of Port Phillip