As part of a pilot initiative to help shape future social housing developments, we asked tenants across the Wollongong LGA to share their lived experience of social housing.
The centrepiece for this engagement was an online survey, which gave us the best chance of reaching tenants across more than 6,600 social homes.
To maximise community participation, we used a variety of methods to promote the survey:
- a QR code on all printed materials that linked directly to the survey
- promotional postcards delivered to letterboxes
- posters and postcards displayed at key community venues
- face-to-face doorknocks with housing staff from the Department of Communities and Justice
- text messages with a link to the survey
- phone and email support
- partnerships and promotion with key community organisations.
Shaping the future of social housing
The Wollongong survey received 224 responses from social housing tenants, which will be used to shape the future of social housing.
By sharing their lived experience of social housing, the 224 survey participants provided valuable insights that will help inform future planning decisions related to housing. Their key insights will help shape future considerations towards:
- personal safety
- access to public transport
- access to community support and facilities
- proximity to local amenities
- inclusion of public space and infrastructure
- passive surveillance
- increased lighting
- different types of housing.
Demographics and survey results can be viewed in the Engagement Summary Report: Sharing their lived experience (PDF, 2.1 MB).
Collaboration with community
To ensure a trauma-informed engagement strategy that was considerate of local sensitivities, we took a collaborative approach to planning this project.
By partnering with the Department of Communities and Justice to knock on community doors, residents had a familiar face to help them feel more at ease. We also tried to accommodate people within their own routines and safe spaces, to ensure convenience, accessibility and comfort.
Our thanks to Wollongong City Council, the Aboriginal Housing Office, Department of Communities and Justice, Illawarra Housing Trust, Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre and Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services, for their contributions to the success of this program.