Advocacy

As a for-purpose organisation we want a future Victoria without homelessness and housing stress. Sharing our knowledge and the voice and experience of our clients with community groups, sector partners, business and government is a key part of the work we do at Haven Home Safe.

Our continuous practice of listening and our years of lived experience mean our organisation has an empathy for the key issues, nuances and complexities within Victoria’s regions unlike any other. It’s important to us to share these learnings by showing the human story behind the statistics and help people understand the foundational benefit housing plays in people’s health, wellbeing and community connection.

Sector education

We continue to use our voice to present new ideas, challenge existing concepts, and collaborate to advocate for a client-centred approach within the housing and homelessness sector. With metropolitan capabilities and a regional focus, we bring a unique perspective and ensure that regional issues are part of the conversation in a sector challenged by increasing demand. This year we have contributed editorial pieces for industry magazines including Parity. Our Deputy CEO Trudi Ray is Chair of CHIA VIC and a Director with the Victorian Branch of the Australasian Housing Institute. We’re also involved with peak industry bodies including PowerHousing Australia, UDIA, Everybody’s Home, and Council to Homeless Persons.

Conferences

Opportunities to present at and attend conferences and panel events is one way we can ensure we are at the forefront of policy development, research and best practice as well as connecting with others in the sector. This year our CEO Andrew Cairns presented at the Hall and Wilcox panel event, sharing insights on how community housing providers, developers and financiers can work more effectively together with the government to help deliver Australia’s social economic infrastructure.

Media and social media

Working with local, state, and national media as well as our digital channels amplifies our advocacy work with a broader audience. We use these platforms to provide education and challenge stereotypes while shining a spotlight on issues of homelessness and housing. Across the year Haven Home Safe has been mentioned in media coverage over 250 times, either through proactive opportunities, interviews or partnership commentary.

Hall & Wilcox panel event, from L-R, Andrew Cairns, Katrina Reye, Haleh Homaei, Nathan Dal Bon, Kathryn Howard and Mark Inston.

Sustainable Futures

We approach housing with the view that we need to incorporate the voice of the client, community needs and other stakeholders to create thriving communities that strengthen and enhance diversity.