Housing

A significant driver in forming WCC in 2019, was the desire to respond to homelessness as a united body of churches in Whitehorse.  WCC planned a Winter Shelter program for 2020 using church buildings to house people experiencing homelessness (as part of Stable One’s Winter Shelter Network). Covid-19 impacted the plans, but the passion to respond to homelessness has not diminished.

During 2024-25, WCC is piloting a housing support program in response to the lack of affordable rental and social housing in the area. WCC will raise awareness and promote the opportunity to use existing property for good and encourage church members with spare rooms, granny flats, annexes, or investment properties to prayerfully consider housing people who cannot access accommodation through the commercial rental housing market.

This program has emerged from church members who are already sharing their property, and some have done so for many years.

Support resources such as videos, case studies and advice from people with significant experience sharing rooms and self-contained parts of their homes are available. And more will be ready soon. We will also share stories of the life-changing impact an initiative like this can have on someone who needs a place to live.

WCC partnerships with local community service organisations will help in identifying and connecting appropriate homes with suitable people seeking housing, and provide ongoing support.

But nothing can start until people think, discuss and pray about sharing their home!

If you feel this may be for you, want to know more and discuss ideas and options, please email us at housing@whitehorsechurchescase.org.au and arrange a time to talk.

Filling out the WCC Housing Provider Information (with no obligation or commitment) will help in discussing your facilities, situation and preferences.