BHA - Future Directions
BHA’s future is driven by the great demand for long term, affordable and secure housing in the South West Region.
In the past this has been determined by the Department of Housing and Works ability and willingness to increase our housing stock via head leases, but in the future this function will be increasingly delegated to the Community Housing sector and that community based “growth providers” will be the source of funding for stock.
Bunbury Housing Association has determined that the best strategy to take advantage of these changes in the community housing industry is to register to become a “Preferred provider” so that it can continue to provide a well targeted service to local South West needs. A “Preferred Provider” status will allow for joint ventures with project developers, local government and other locally based community housing organisations, as well as increasing it’s housing stock in the traditional way. Last year we signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Access Housing, a newly registered Perth based “Growth Provider” as a reflection of this new approach and look forward to developing projects in the South West with their support without compromising BHA's independence. We are keen to enter into similar co-operative agreements with local organisations to ensure that regional housing receives top priority.
BHA has worked diligently to raise awareness of the need for more housing options within the general community as well as networking with agencies in the human services sector and will continue to do so.
BHA strongly promotes the philosophy of separating the Landlord (property management) and Support (specialised social needs) functions so each can concentrate purely on their particular role and thus maximize their resources. This idea is consistent with the current changes and would mean that the smaller support providers, who also manage small housing stock to accommodate their clients, would put this stock into community housing providers' portfolio who would provide the landlord function. The support provider could then solely focus on their core business - the delivery of the support services needed by their clients without the potential for conflict with their clients about tenancy issues.
BHA will continue to increase its profile in the community using the media – newspaper, TV and radio commentary as well as regular networking exercises to encourage a more co-operative approach to housing.
At BHA, we see the policy of open communication that we have established with our tenants over the years has paid off handsomely and we enjoy a very positive relationship with them which we are very keen maintain.
BHA is currently negotiating with a local private developer to develop a property and construct 4 townhouses during this financial year (2009/10). If this project is successful, BHA plans similar joint venture projects for the future.
While we are currently experiencing a new phase of our evolution, BHA aims to continue fulfilling our mission providing affordable accommodation for those that need it and developing new strategies to fulfill the very urgent housing and accommodation requirements needs within the community. We remain committed to the reduction of housing related poverty and its associated social problems.
Finally, BHA is and always will be committed to fulfill the role of the CARING LANDLORD |
