The Home Hub, Australia’s first social and affordable housing advertising service has launched in Perth.
The concept developed by Iain Shields, targets two significant problems within our social and affordable housing systems; people who need access to their housing options and the underutilisation of homes.
Home Hub solves the issue by connecting people who need a home with all the safe, secure and affordable housing and accommodation options that are available.
The data is collected in real-time from both people and from landlords, and the service is co-designed. By allowing a person to jump on and input their current situation housing mobility is created and the register utilises live and real-time data to understand housing need and supply and can create a responsive marketplace.
“It allows us to think about co-designed future services,” explains Iain. “If we know there are a certain amount of people in a certain area, who need certain types of housing and certain types of community services it informs our strategic planning around community service design and development but also funding.”
At its official launch the Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services the Hon Luke Howarth MP said it was “an exciting initiative”.
“It’s great to be able to launch this platform with the goal of reducing waiting times and help Western Australians to get into safe and affordable homes faster,” Assistant Minister Howarth said.
“To have a centralised digital platform for people in need of social, affordable and emergency housing; with the aim to also reduce wait times for social housing is incredible and will be of great help to people needing assistance.
“The fact that Home Hub has the support of the WA Government, local Government and so many other peak bodies in WA, indicates that this program is supported by the community and will be embraced by property owners, prospective tenants, governments and community services organisations.”
Iain said: “It is exciting to work with people who own or manage housing and accommodation across WA to give locals a hand up with access to safe and affordable homes.”