A safety net for when times are tough

With cost of living pressures and sky-rocketing rents, support programs like the Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) can provide a leg up for people experiencing life events or challenges that make it tough to meet their rental payments.

2021–22 Geelong Emergency Relief program

Similarly, the Emergency Relief program offered in Geelong is there to help when people are faced with low income, the loss of a job or unaffordable rent costs. Many people on low incomes are paying over 60 percent of their earnings on rent with the small amount left, not able to cover the growing costs of necessities like food and energy bills. We see people with chronic health issues, people experiencing family violence which impacts their ability to keep their job and other people who just need some support to build their financial capability and literacy.

The program can help existing and prospective renters with one-off assistance to either maintain a current tenancy or enter the private market. Support can include assistance with completing rental applications, life skills including budgeting, support with moving costs or covering rent in advance or bonds.