Connect News December 2021

December 2021

An end of year message from the CEO

2021 was another challenging year. But it has reminded everyone of the importance of having a safe and stable home. There have also been new opportunities created to improve the housing crisis.

This year we joined the Victorian Government’s program, from Homelessness to a Home. It helped people in need leave emergency hotel accommodation and move into their own homes. They also receive support to look after their well-being and keep their home.

We have also been preparing new projects for the Big Housing Build. It is the biggest ever investment in public and community housing in Australia. We look forward to housing more people in Victoria in the future.

As we reflect on 2021, we are proud of our staff, partners, communities and, of course, our renters.

We know things have been rough for you. Thank you for your strength and for looking after yourselves and each other.

We wish you and your families safe and happy holidays.

From Andrew Cairns, CEO Haven Home Safe, on behalf of all staff.

Good neighbour policy

We understand that most Community Housing renters are good neighbours. However, from time to time, there can be disagreements between neighbours. Our Good Neighbour Policy explains what is expected from renters and how we resolve issues between neighbours.

We recently updated our Good Neighbour Policy to align with current laws and processes. It is also shorter and easier to read.

First, we encourage renters to speak with their neighbours. If that does not work or you cannot speak with them yourselves, we are available to help have the conversation.

Our Policies are available on our website under Renters > Policies. You can view the full policy on our website here:
A Good Neighbour Policy

Your privacy and rights

We recently updated our privacy and rights information. The changes made the information more relevant, inclusive and easier to read. The policy explains:

• how we protect your information
• what information we might request from you
• how we respect your rights
• how to provide feedback or make a complaint
• whom you can contact if you’re unhappy with our response or our services

You can view the full policy on our website here:
Privacy and Rights Policy

Celebrate the holiday season with your neighbours!

We have 5 x $100 vouchers to support you to host a neighbourhood event!

Some ideas for an event could be a picnic, morning tea, BBQ or a hallway dinner. The event should be planned some time in late December 2021 or early January 2022.

It does not have to be with other HHS tenants. Still, we encourage people living in HHS multi-residential sites to apply. You will need to follow any relevant COVID safety restrictions.

Apply here before 5pm, Thursday 16 December.

We will let you know if you get a voucher by 5pm, Friday 17 December.

Have questions? Contact community@hhs.org.au

Where to find help over Christmas

Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration and joy. But if finances are tight, it can be stressful and lonely. Local Salvation Army Centres can help people and families in need at Christmas. To find out if you are eligible for hampers, gifts or meals this Christmas, you can reach out to your local Salvos. Find your local Salvos online.

HHS staff member recognised for outstanding service

We are thrilled that our staff member, Page Gallimore, has been shortlisted for the Leading Practitioner Award in this year’s Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards. Page works in our Intensive Case Management to support people who are homeless with complex needs. Congratulations to Page for the nomination!

Community garden grows residents' confidence

Earlier this year, our Supporting Connections Program team rolled up their sleeves and created a community garden for residents.

Our Supported Residential Services are for people who live with cognitive impairments, meaning they need help with everyday activities.

The new community garden offered residents a calming ‘’hands in dirt” experience. There were many big smiles when residents planted their seedlings. They have enjoyed watching them grow.

Epsom Bunnings kindly donated many of the items. The teams are preparing to coordinate another garden project as the weather improves.

Happy Holidays!

We will be closed for the upcoming public holidays.

Please note that these holidays fall on a weekend, so the public holiday is held during the week.

• Christmas Day public holiday is on Monday 27 December 2021
• Boxing Day public holiday is on Tuesday 28 December 2021
• New Years Day public holiday is on Monday 3 January 2022

We are open our usual hours during the holiday season.

If you have urgent maintenance repairs, call 1300 100 242 for our after-hours service.

Prioritising urgent works over the Christmas period

For AHA properties:

Due to trade availability and industry shutdown the Maintenance Services Team will be prioritising Urgent works only from Monday 13th December to Monday 10th January.

Contact us

You can speak to us by calling 1300 428 364. You can also contact a team directly by email.

Make maintenance requests or ask for updates: maintenance@hhs.org.au
To give us feedback or tell us about an issue: feedback@hhs.org.au
Let us know your ideas for this newsletter: community@hhs.org.au

Not sure who your Tenancy Manager is? You can email your local tenancy teams:

• Bendigo bendigohousing@hhs.org.au
• Metro prestontenancy@hhs.org.au
• Mildura mildurahousing@hhs.org.au
• Geelong geelonghousing@hhs.org.au