The Supportive Tenancy Service (STS) is a unique program sitting within WCS’s Housing and Homelessness portfolio providing early intervention support in an effort to prevent people becoming homeless.

Strengthening relationships and building networks continues to be a focus for STS in 2022, with the team working alongside OneLink and Housing ACT on a weekly basis as part of OneLink’s “In Reach” program at ACT Housing Central Access Point in Belconnen. On Thursdays, STS is available to assist existing public housing tenants who may require information and advocacy around their tenancy. STS also meets with members of the public needing support to sustain their tenancy or mortgage. On these days STS works alongside the Conflict Resolution Service – Residential Tenancy Mediation service.

STS assists people who are facing barriers in establishing a tenancy in private rental or community housing, with an emphasis on a diversion from social housing. Service users are supported to link in to services and providers who can assist them to increase their capacity to engage and connect within the community, develop living skills and participate in employment or training. Homeowners who are experiencing financial hardship and finding it difficult to maintain their mortgage are also able to be supported under the program. STS Case Managers take a holistic approach when assisting service users to help them identify immediate needs, create an action plan and connect with other specialist services.

WCS delivers STS as the lead agency in a partnership with Canberra Region Community Services and YWCA Canberra. The program is funded by the ACT Government, in partnership with the Federal Government. Referrals can be made to the Supportive Tenancy Service by contacting OneLink on 1800 176 468.