SHIFT

SHIFT: A new approach to short-term housing

Chloe had put up with years of abuse before she came to Anglicare for help.

“I could barely have the kids around him, it got that bad. He wasn’t abusive to them but he would yell at me in front of them. My six-year-old is actually in counselling because of it. He’s a mummy’s boy, he loves me and couldn’t stand seeing me being spoken to like that.”

Keep families safe and together

Finally, enough was enough and Chloe grabbed a few essentials for her and the three kids and fled to her parents’ house. But this was only a stop-gap, it wasn’t a solution. Chloe and her three kids (all under 6 years old) were all sharing one room and her parents couldn’t cope with all the extra people in their peaceful household.

So, Chloe came to Anglicare looking for help and her caseworker suggested that she apply for a SHIFT house.

Like so many in her position leaving had not been a simple decision for Chloe. She wasn’t just leaving an abusive partner. She was also saying goodbye to her family home, her only source of income and her security.

Chloe hadn’t worked since having their children and she has never had her name on a lease so she was in no position to rent a property even if she could afford one.

What is SHIFT?

SHIFT stands for Supported and Housing Initiatives for Families in Transition. We provide low rent, fully furnished properties for a short term allowing families to get back on their feet.

Chloe was delighted when she was approved for a house through SHIFT. She now had a place for her and the kids to call home. The house was even furnished for their needs. All she had to do was pay a very affordable monthly rent which increased slightly after 6 months.

This period of affordable living allowed Chloe to get work and stability and then she was able to rent her own place through a real estate agent. When she moved in she could take all the furniture with her and Anglicare helped with the bond.

Currently Anglicare operates 12 SHIFT properties in the Sydney region and hopes to expand to 50 in the next 5 years. If you would like to find out more about how you could lease your property to Anglicare or make a donation to provide furniture we’d love to hear from you.