Page 2335 - Week 07 - Thursday, 27 August 2020
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Answers to questions
Housing ACT—building communities program
(Question No 2925)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, upon notice, on 21 February 2020:
(1) In relation to the answer to question on notice No 4 of the Standing Committee on Health, Ageing and Community Services inquiry into referred 2018-19 annual and financial reports, what specifically is the “Building Communities Inside and Out program”.
(2) How does it work to reduce the stigma that can be attached to clients living in public housing.
(3) How does it promote stronger neighborhoods and what community and local partnerships exist.
(4) Is the complex fully tenanted yet.
(5) How much does the Building Communities Inside and Out Program cost and over what period.
(6) Are there other new ACT Housing complexes participating in the program; if so, which ones.
(7) What other community development initiatives exist for ACT Housing tenants.
Ms Berry: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
1. The Building Communities Pilot Program was designed specifically, with the support and input from the Holder Community Action Group, Housing ACT and Community Service Partners Woden Community Services (WCS) and Northside Community Services, to co-design and develop a new housing model framework that incorporates a sense of community and belonging.
2. A key component of the Building Communities Inside and Out program is to remove the stigma associated with public housing and to build a sense of belonging within public housing complexes and in the wider community. The aim of the program is to build sustainable communities, enhance the overall tenant experience, and promote pride in the community in which they live.
The program is strength-based and encourages empowerment and active contribution to the community. It focuses on meaningful contributions and changing the narrative of how others view public housing. As an example, we have a tenant who is a retired horticulturalist and they are taking carriage of looking after the gardens and teaching others within the complex about the different trees, and how best to look after them during hot weather. They are also making suggestions regarding external community building opportunities.
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