Helping people affected by family violence move into safe, stable private rental housing.
About the program
The Exit Pathways Program (EPP) supports people, including parents with children, who have experienced family violence. The program is available in Victoria’s Barwon, Western Metro and Central Highlands regions.
The program helps eligible clients move from temporary, emergency or refuge accommodation into a private rental property, with financial assistance and ongoing specialist support.
Who is eligable?
The program is for individuals and families who:
- live in the Barwon, Western Metro or Central Highlands region
- are connected with a support worker who will remain involved throughout the tenancy
- receive ongoing support from a specialist family violence service
- are not currently in crisis but have experienced family violence and are at low risk of further family violence
- cannot safely return to their previous housing
- are mentally and emotionally ready to plan for their future needs
- have recently secured a private rental property (within the past three months).
Important: Applicants must have at the very least, verbal approval for a private rental property. It is preferable that a lease be provided but people who have not yet received the signed lease are still eligible to apply.
How the program works
Haven Home Safe provides approved applicants with a rent subsidy of 40% for up to 12 months. The rent subsidy is capped at:
- $590 in metropolitan areas
- $520 in regional areas.
The total weekly rent may be higher than these amounts. It is expected the applicant will cover the remaining rent themselves.
What the 12 month program can help with
The program helps clients to:
- stabilise their situation
- build a successful rental history
- develop the skills to maintain a home and manage ongoing living expenses
- find employment or take part in full-time or part-time education or training
- prepare to pay the full rent when the subsidy ends.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an income test?
No.
Is there an assets test?
Clients may still receive the subsidy if they have assets (property) they cannot access in the short to medium term because of circumstances beyond their control. For example, a client may have an interest in a family home that cannot be sold while family court proceedings are underway.
How to apply
Eligible clients must be referred by a local organisation who will complete a referral form on their behalf.
- Secure approval for a private rental property.
- Ideally, before signing the lease, have your support agency contact us and complete the referral form.
- Haven Home Safe will assess the referral to confirm whether the program is suitable.
To learn more or request a referral form please call us and ask to speak with someone from the Exit Pathways Program: Phone: 1300 428 364
When Alice* was referred to the Exit Pathways Program (EPP) she was living in a women’s refuge with her young child and newborn baby. She had escaped a 13 year-long environment of family violence.