Social Enterprise Cleans Up
Housing Choices recently teamed up with a social enterprise that aligns closely with our values, Goddess Cleaning Group .
“I started cleaning during the day and the business just grew really through word of mouth, and today we support men and women (mostly women), from disadvantaged and domestic violence backgrounds and provide an ethical platform for them to be able to move forward,” she continued. Before taking on the contract, Stacey checked to be sure that Housing Choices aligned with the values of her business. “For me it was about doing a bit of investigation work around Housing Choices and what their values are, to find out if the two businesses were aligned. And it was pretty easy to find out we’re very much aligned,” she said. While Goddess Cleaning Group has other major contracts, Stacey said the new partnership with Housing Choices is particularly exciting. “It’s certainly the most exciting one (contract) for us because we’re so aligned with Housing Choices and what we both hold dear to our hearts around values.”
“It’s not just about putting money into our business, it’s about giving people opportunities to provide cleaning services across 18 properties. That was the key for us.” “This has a big impact in giving people an ethical work platform, and to give them a sense of pride in getting up and going to work everyday and giving back to the community through their cleaning. It just makes my heart sing,” she said.
Earlier this year, the organisation put a callout to social enterprise – businesses to be contracted as a cleaning service for Housing Choices properties. Goddess Cleaning Group , was one of five organisations that applied for the tender – and commenced cleaning services for Housing Choices as of 1 November 2022 at 18 properties in Victoria. Stacey, the owner of Goddess Cleaning Group , built her business after “lived” experience of faced housing insecurity. “I am a solo parent of three boys who are now 13, 17 and 21. I came out of a domestic violence relationship 12 years ago, so they were all quite young then. I was looking for some work that was flexible enough to work around my kids, court appearances, police interviews, and the rest of it,” said Stacey. As a social enterprise the business dedicates a portion of profits to supporting, training and upskilling people from disadvantaged and domestic violence backgrounds.
Not only is Stacey’s business providing
employment to those who will clean Housing Choices properties, but Stacey is also putting call out to our residents to work with her. “For us it’s about providing an empathetic understanding and inclusive workplace. We’ve all walked our own path, and our path doesn’t determine our future. As an employment opportunity, we can provide the flexibility to support and encourage and help rebuild some self-esteem in individuals so that they
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