Resident engagement program

Evolve Housing residents. School holiday promgram activities.

This important initiative provides residents in need of assistance with financial support and skills development opportunities through grants, events and other activities.

Grant funding is provided to residents who are studying and might need help covering the cost of course fees, technology and textbooks.

Support is also provided to families who are struggling financially to cover the cost of their children’s school uniforms and extra-curricular activities like school sport. Other engagement activities include workshops, support groups and programs for children.

We were pleased to be able to return to in-person events in 2022, following two years of disruptions to our event schedule. In 2021–22, the grant programs and activities offered were:

MONEY MINDED WORKSHOP

Residents learnt how to manage their money and take control of finances. This workshop covered topics that include creating budgets, reducing debt, saving money, managing credit cards and more. IMAGINATE SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

After not being able to run face-to-face programs for much of the last two years due to COVID restrictions, we were delighted to resume Holiday Fun activities for our young residents this year. In April 2022, we held a robotics and programming day of fun in Merrylands and Bankstown with 15 residents attending.

From sports and science shows to STEM learning by building robots, our Imaginate series helps children explore the world of learning in a fun and creative way.

Special thanks go to the wonderful Pathways team members who went above and beyond to keep children active and engaged through the lockdowns with virtual activities like Lego-building and colouring-in.

BANKSTOWN WOMEN’S GROUP

This year, Evolve Housing established a support group for women living in Bankstown who wish to be connected and supported by other women in their local community.

GO! GRANTS

This program offers financial support to encourage children to get involved in sports and physical activity. • 3 grants totalling $1,050 were provided

Evolve Housing resient Amanda with the Vegepod garden. KEEP EDUCATING YOURSELF (KEY) GRANTS

These grants offer financial support for residents to study a trade, or complete a course at university, a private college or TAFE. • 14 grants totalling $16,550 were provided

COMMUNITY GARDENS

In partnership with Community Greening, we help residents start community gardens. This has the dual benefit of encouraging social interaction and encouraging residents to build friendships, while also developing a sense of satisfaction from the joy of sharing home-grown fruit and vegetables within their community. This year we supported 10 residents to establish a community garden.

FRIENDSHIP AGED NETWORK

We have continued to provide critical support to Evolve Housing’s senior residents during what was a difficult year. Under this initiative, tenants volunteer to call vulnerable and isolated elderly residents once a week to check in and have a chat. It is an important strategy for keeping this cohort connected to the Evolve Housing and wider community. • 22 regular participants and 1 volunteer

NILS (NO INTEREST LOAN SCHEME)

Evolve Housing is a registered provider for the Good Shepherd Microfinance program that helps those on low incomes to purchase essential items (such as whitegoods, furniture, computers and educational supplies) on no interest credit. • 5 applications completed