Community Housing Program

The Community Housing Program (CHP) is a WA State Government program administered by the Department of Housing and Works (DHW) which allocates housing stock to non-profit, non-government, incorporated community organisations for the provision of rental housing for people on low to moderate incomes. DHW generally provides 100% of the funding although it is possible to "joint venture" with the DHW by providing a percentage of the funding from other sources.

Properties are selected by agreement between the Bunbury Housing Association Inc. (BHA) and DHW, and are spot purchased by DHW. They are secured by way of a lease arrangement, usually over a 3 year term with an option to extend at the end of that period as long as the organisation has become viable after aqcuiring a certain number of houses/units.

The CHP program includes:

• Construction of housing
• Upgrade of existing properties
• Purchase of vacant land for house construction
• Construction of purpose built accommodation
• Purchasing established houses.

DHW is not involved in the direct management of the properties. This is done by the Association. Rental revenue being retained by BHA to meet all property and tenancy management expenses.

There are significant benefits that accrue for the community under the CHP programs. These include:

• Providing opportunities for tenant involvement in the development and ongoing management of the housing stock
• Community housing organisations retain responsibility for tenancy and property management
• Links to local community supports, particularly for people with special needs
• Providing an alternative to public housing for people on low incomes
• Tenants receive security of tenure, and access to affordable accommodation
• Community housing programs provide a wider choice of housing options for people on low incomes.

BHA currently manages over 45 CHP houses under this program which located in Bunbury, Busselton and Glen Iris which accommodates 117 people.