Media Release – Shelter WA thrilled to welcome game changing $6 million Community Housing Capacity-Building announcement

“This announcement secures one of our key election asks and shows the Cook Government is listening.   It represents a significant step forward in strengthening our sector’s ability to deliver more urgently needed social and affordable housing across Western Australia. 

“The Capacity Building Program is based on a successful model in Queensland –proudly managed by our sister organisation Q-Shelter, which was established to support CHOs to access training, education and tools, provide grants for specialist business advisory services, and ultimately help our sector to scale up the delivery of more – and bigger housing projects.  

“Shelter WA has consistently advocated for increased support to build the capacity of community housing providers and unlock the potential of our sector. CHOs work across the housing continuum, can deliver higher tenant satisfaction and are able to provide better value for money by leveraging additional funds through their charitable status, tax exemptions and access to Commonwealth Rent Assistance.” 

“The new capacity-building program will be managed by Shelter WA in partnership with a sector-based reference group and the State Government.  

“Shelter WA acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal-led service delivery for improving outcomes of Aboriginal people in the housing and homelessness system as they are better placed to provide culturally safe and flexible responses.   

“Crucially, the new Program will have a strong focus on supporting the growth and development of Aboriginal Community Housing Organisations (ACHOs) and the direct involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and ACHO representatives in the co-design, recruitment, advisory committee, grant assessment panels and delivery of housing and services. 

With the passing of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and the growing housing crisis, it is more important than ever that CHOs and ACHOs are in a better position to leverage Commonwealth funding and other initiatives to build social and affordable housing in WA. 

This announcement was part of a larger commitment that included:  

• $10.4 million to expand the HEART outreach program across Perth and Mandurah 

• $3.1 million to grow the Housing First Support Services in and around Bunbury  

 “A large focus of our Election Platform was to ask for a commitment to scale up programs already working in the community, and so we strongly welcome this news.  

 Shelter WA’s Election Platform can be found at https://www.shelterwa.org.au/state-election-platform-2025/