b'Engaging with our residents We both looked at each other and it was like an epiphany. We both thought about our house in In 2024, we began an ongoing survey of our newAbbotsford and thought we can do something renters. Results show that around 70% of peopleabout this, B said.feel they are treated with respect and that theirWe are in the position where we can help, overall experience was a positive one.added K.We also surveyed residents at our retirementIf youre a boomer and sick of the bad rap we villages with results showing that 83% of residentsget on housing, heres a chance to change that were satisfied with the quality of life the villagesperception and do something that is life changing provide, and that they are happy with the workfor someone. of our staff. These surveys, along with a larger survey of allUniting pays peppercorn rent for the houses and our residents conducted every two years, help usmanage the tenancies. The couple pays rates and improve our services. some of the outgoings as a donation.In 2023, we also established the Uniting ResidentA portion of the minimal rent paid to Uniting Advisory Panel (URAP) which brings togetherby renters is retained as brokerage so when the renter representatives from around Victoria towomen are ready to leave, they have some money provide input into our decision-making. We alsoto pay bond and set themselves up in a more encourage people living in units and apartmentspermanent home.to form residents groups to pass on feedback andLocal business Kreative Design and Interiors improve engagement with their neighbours. furnished and decorated the entire houseA new grants program was established to fundwhich would have cost around $5000, andresident-led initiatives to help people socialise Koala Furniture, a Uniting corporate partner, and enjoy a shared hobby or activity. provided beds.Housing support for those escaping family violenceA generous Melbourne couple along withA safe place to call homesupportive local businesses have helped create a home for women and children escaping family violence in the Northcote area. Lucy fled domestic violence needing a safe place to call home.The couple previously donated the use of their two-bedroom house in Abbotsford. They decidedNot knowing where youre going to live You cant organise yourself very well when to purchase a three-bedroom home in Northcoteday-to-day is something no one should youre living out of your car. My Uniting home because they felt it was a better option for womenhave to experience. was a good steppingstone for me, because it with children. allowed me to take a breath and settle for a Its an amazing contribution that gives womenMy situation resulted in me fleeingbrief period while I was able to actively lookand children escaping family violence a realfrom family violence and living in crisisfor work and somewhere else to live and get opportunity to leave dangerous homes and startaccommodation. I moved 18 times, oversome confidence.afresh, said Uniting Senior Manager Housingtwo and a half months, hiding from theMy Uniting home was a godsend.Services, Louise Daniel. perpetrator who was in pursuit of me.The couple, who wish to be only known as K andLucy was able to access support from Uniting After just three months, Lucy gained B, gave Uniting use of the first house 18 monthsto find a safe, short-term home to get backemployment and found ongoing, stable ago in response to stories in the media whichon her feet. accommodation closer to her friendship highlighted the number of Australian womengroup and new job. Lucy said her Uniting The Uniting property manager met withhome provided her with a safe base.killed and impacted by violent partners every year. me, and it was a lovely surprise to see [theI dont think I would have managed to gain home] fitted out with bedding and kitchenemployment or organise getting a new place accessories. It was just enough to get mewithout the steppingstone that the Uniting started, to be able to cook and do myproperty gave me.cleaning. That was a welcoming beginning.* This is a true story about a real person. Some details such as Lucy said just being able to unpack her carnames have been changed to respect the wishes of the person featured. The photo accompanying this story is for illustrative was important. purposes only. It is not a photo of the person featured in this story.16 Uniting Vic.Tas and Uniting Housing Annual Report'