RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: FAIR
Community Wellbeing In early 2020, Community Wellbeing program manager Dr Alberto Furlan reached out to our partners to discover what assistance they needed to provide timely and relevant support to those most vulnerable in the community. This proactive consultation led to a series of Community Support grants being awarded in 2020 to not-for-profit organisations. These grants provided timely financial assistance to ensure valuable community organisations were well placed to provide continued support to the vulnerable communities they serve or pivot their activities to address emerging needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Justice Connect No Place Like Home: Preventing future homelessness $225,000 OVER 3 YEARS (2021)
One of Justice Connect’s digital tools is Dear Landlord, an online, interactive self-help tool designed to support renters every step of the way, from understanding their rights, to taking action to avoid eviction and stay in their homes. More than 28,000 users have accessed Dear Landlord over 6 months in 2021, with 76% of users accessing the online tool prior to or upon receiving their first Notice to Vacate for being behind in rent.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new cohort of ‘future homeless’ comprising financially insecure casual workers, young people engaged in the hospitality sector, small business owners, and individuals who have lost their previously secure job. This group is digitally literate and able to self-advocate if equipped with the right tools and support. Justice Connect sought to enhance its online tools to assist renters to find accurate, responsive information and interactive online resources to take preventative action and avoid homelessness. This grant helped fund the expansion of Justice Connect’s online supports to ensure renters could address their challenges at an earlier stage and prevent more difficult situations such as evictions, legal issues and homelessness.
“Once I started to use Dear Landlord a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders, first the landlord accepted the payment plan[that] Dear Landlord had offered, and the real estate agent was off my back about my arrears and rent. I would highly recommend [Dear Landlord] to anyone going through a hard time with rent.” – Dear Landlord user “Great tool/resource for those that don’t understand the rental market and reassures tenants that we have many rights and options and it’s easier to approach a rental provider or agency than one thinks” – Dear Landlord user In September 2021, Dear Landlord was recognised for outstanding design and innovation, receiving a 2021 Good Design Award for Best in Class in the social impact category.
The Ian Potter Foundation Annual Grants Report 2020–21
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