Hi everyone, welcome to our October 2024 edition Welcome to our November 2024 edition In our last newsletter we teased that we would be trialing some self-reflection surveys with our members. So far, we have tested out our first survey and will be continuing to do more testing with other tools into the new year. The first survey we trialed is the “Is shared Housing Right for you” survey. This survey asks questions about what shared housing might look like and how you would respond in those circumstances. You then tally up your answers to see where you fit in the scale of shared housing is for me to maybe shared housing isn’t for me. This survey doesn’t dictate that you should or shouldn’t join Better Together Housing or enter a shared housing arrangement. Instead, it is a useful tool to help you explore what your feelings are around shared housing and if it could be a viable option for you. You can find a copy of survey here. We are now currently working on a suitability survey for when you meet someone you might like to share with. This survey was created to help start a conversation about what shared housing might look like for potential housemates. It isn’t meant to dissuade women from sharing together but to help have an open and honest discussion about the realities of shared housing. Once we have received feedback from our members this will be available on the website. The next self-reflection tool we will be trialing with our members in the new year will be about boundaries. This will be a checklist of the common boundaries that you may experience when living with someone else. This checklist will again help to start a dialogue about the realities of shared housing as well as lay the foundation for a successful shared housing arrangement. This tool should be utilised after the suitability survey. As always we love the feedback from our members and non-members so if there are any tools that you think would be useful for shared housing, please let us know on info@bettertogetherhousing.com.au Better Together Housing Christmas Party We are working with the QCWA in Beerwah to host our first Better Together Housing Christmas party on the Sunshine Coast! We will be offering some refreshments as well as activities so members can get to know one another. We have also opened up to non-members who may want to attend as well. To RSVP click here or email info@bettertogetherhousing.com.au |
Mackay News & Updates
Update on our latest Get it Togethers
At the Get it Together on November 14th, Darren Finlay, shared with us the purpose and philosophy behind the Not-for- profit People Purpose Place. He and his colleagues, whom have all worked in housing for over a decade, have reached a powerful conclusion: traditional housing models often fail to meet the true needs of individuals and communities. Their focus is shifting to designing homes that prioritize people, particularly those who are affected by mainstream housing, struggling to secure what should be a basic human right—shelter. This issue has grown from affecting society’s fringes to a significant portion of the Australian population.
Our Mackay members found his presentation very interesting, particularly the design concepts, flexible buy in options and the 10-part workshop series designed to help people interested in collaborative housing solutions form groups and reach agreements for sustainability.
At our gathering on the 9th of November, we trialled a Saturday gathering for Better Together Housing. Attendees were asked to express what home means to them through collage, drawing, colour or words. It was a great way for everyone to reflect on what’s important to them in feeling at home.
Latest News, Articles and Information
Rental Security Subsidy Queensland
Have you heard of the Rental Security Subsidy?
The Rental Security Subsidy can help if you’re having trouble paying your rent or keeping a tenancy because of short-term financial challenges. If you’re eligible, the Queensland Government pays part of your rent directly to your landlord or property manager so you can stay in your current home or move to a new one.
To find out more information or to apply online click here
Brave Conversations with
Housing Older Women’s Support Service
Are you a woman over 45 experiencing housing stress?
Come together to explore key housing topics in a safe space and remember, you are not alone.
To register for the Maroochydore session click here
Community Christmas Events
For the last few years Better Together Housing has gathered information on Community Christmas Events that are being held in the Sunshine Coast and Mackay. We will continue to add to this section in the December edition of our newsletter. If you know of any Community Christmas Events that are happening please email us at info@bettertogetherhousing.com.au
Interesting links to learn more about why Better Together Housing is working hard to grow our services and membership.
Services overwhelmed as 3 million at risk of becoming unhoused, says Homelessness Australia report
Upcoming Get it Togethers and Information Sessions
Check out our upcoming Get it Togethers here
Better Together Housing
info@bettertogetherhousing.com.au
www.bettertogetherhousing.com.au
