Issue: The Spring Thread
STORIES SUPPORT CONNECTION
FOUNDATION THREAD
A home FOR EVERYONE
EDITION HIGHLIGHTS FROM US TO you
YOUR HOME & YOU SPRING TIPS INDOORS & OUTDOORS WHAT’S ON AT FOUNDATION TENANT SURVEY NOW OPEN HELP AT HAND - YOUR SUPPORT GUIDE MOMENTS THAT MATTER - FINDING PURPOSE & COMMUNITY AT THE LODGE
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FROM THE CEO SPRING MESSAGE
Spring is here — a time of fresh beginnings, longer days, and new possibilities. Just as the season brings colour and life back to our gardens and streets, it’s also a reminder that change can be uplifting. At Foundation Housing, we’re continuing to grow and evolve so we can provide safe, affordable homes and stronger connections for everyone in our community. In this edition of The Foundation Thread, you’ll find updates on upcoming projects, community events, and tenant stories that inspire. You’ll also find practical tips and support services to help you make the most of this season — whether it’s spring cleaning your space, trying something new, or connecting with neighbours. Thank you for being an important part of our Foundation Housing community. I look forward to all we can achieve together as we step into this brighter, warmer time of year.
CHRIS SMITH Chief Executive Officer Foundation Housing
A home FOR EVERYONE
YOUR home & YOU
SPRING TIPS A home FOR EVERYONE
INDOORS & OUTDOORS
Repurpose Containers - milk bottles for planting seedlings Water-Smart Garden - mulch, check sprinklers, water early or late to save water Tidy outdoor areas - remove leaves, debris Close curtains during hot days- reduce energy costs
Declutter one room at a time - donate items you no longer use Dust & vacuum thoroughly to reduce allergens - behind furniture, in window tracts & corners Use affordable natural cleaners - vinegar & baking soda. Clean windows to let more natural light in
PAY YOUR RENT ON TIME & GET Every 3 months, tenants and residents who keep their rent up to date are automatically entered into a draw to win one of two $500 vouchers — our way of saying thank you! Rewarded
ELIGIBILITY
Munir from PERTH
RENT & ALL CHARGES PAID IN FULL Amentities, Parking, Liability, Water, for the past year NO BREACHES IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS SOCIAL HOUSING OR LODGING TENANTS ONLY NO RECENT INCIDENTS OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Carina from
BANKSIA GROVE
YOUR home & YOU ELECTRIC BIKE AND SCOOTER CHARGING SAFETY
Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk. Charge E-bikes & E-scooters safely to reduce your risk.
ALWAYS USE THE CHARGER THAT CAME WITH YOUR DEVICE. JUST BECAUSE THE PLUG FITS, IT DOESN’T MEAN IT’S COMPATIBLE.
DON’T CHARGE WHEN YOU’RE ASLEEP.
CHARGE BATTERIES AWAY FROM COMBUSTIBLE & HIGHLY FLAMMABLE MATERIALS LIKE BEDS, SOFAS OR CARPET.
MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS HAVE A WORKING SMOKE ALARM.
CHARGE BATTERIES ON HARD SURFACES LIKE CONCRETE OR TILES. MAKE SURE THAT THERE’S NOTHING AROUND IT THAT COULD CATCH ON FIRE.
ONCE THE BATTERY IS FULL, DISCONNECT IT FROM THE CHARGER.
BUY KNOWN BRANDS WITH THE AUSTRALIAN REGULATORY COMPLIANCE MARK TICK!
AT FOUNDATION Life
LIVE CALENDAR
OPEN NOW! COMPLETE TO GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN 1 OF 10 $100 VOUCHERS CHECK THE POST & YOUR EMAILS TENANT SATISFACTION SURVEY
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
2026 SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATIONS OPEN 2 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE UP TO $2,000 FUNDING EACH CLICK FOR MORE INFO & TO APPLY NOW
OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS WILL BE PROMOTED ON OUR FACEBOOK - LIKE & FOLLOW US TO KEEP UP TO DATE!
Our community engagement team have been busy this season, bringing residents together through gardening, BBQs, cooking, personal development courses, bowling, & creative workshops. From hands-on projects to meaningful reflection sessions, these activities are making a real impact – building skills, friendships, & a stronger sense of community for our tenants. RECENT Highlights
Transformed Mount Lawley Lodge Gardens Food & Social Connections Bushwalks at Perth Hills Discovery Centre
A home FOR EVERYONE
COMING SOON! Join the Foundation Housing community this festive season for a Holiday MAKERS MARKET
Stalls, art displays, music, games, morning tea and much more!
10:00AM - 1:00PM Perth City Farm 1 City Farm Place, East Perth
Thursday 27 November
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO ATTEND OR TO BE A MAKER!
OR Contact Leah on 0482 180 755
AT HAND Help
Your voice matters — call us, or speak with your Housing Coordinator or Community Engagement team & we’ll help you through it. A home FOR EVERYONE NEED SUPPORT COMPLETING YOUR TENANT SURVEY
Phone 08 9422 0700
YOUR GUIDE Support R U OK? Day – Thursday, 11 September 2025
R U OK? Day is Australia’s national day of action reminding us that a simple conversation can change a life. It encourages everyone — not just on this day, but every day — to reach out, ask “Are you OK?”, listen with care, & offer support where it’s needed.
WHAT YOU CAN DO THIS R U OK? DAY:
Check in on your neighbours or lodge mates Join a community event in Perth — create space for connection and wellbeing Ask R U OK? every day — not just on the official day — & keep the conversation going
TENANT & RESIDENT Committee
Our Tenant and Resident Committee (formerly known as the CORT Group) brings together residents to talk about what matters to tenants, give feedback, and help shape Foundation Housing’s policies and services.
August DISCUSSIONS
Want to know more or get involved?
New Member’s Welcomed We’re pleased to welcome Claire, Nicole & Daniel as new members. Their voices will help represent the views of tenants across Foundation Housing. We also thank long-serving members Robert Andrews & Doug Tweed for their valuable contributions. We also farewelled Maureen who has been an advocate of the TRC
Climate Comfort & Housing Improvements The Committee discussed the Climate Comfort Fund & how Foundation Housing can make homes more sustainable & comfortable in the future. A tenant sub- group will work on ideas to improve climate resilience in properties, ensuring tenant feedback is heard as part of future initiatives.
Shaping the Future: Strategic Plan Update FHL CEO Chris Smith shared our bold new five-year Strategic Plan. With a focus on supporting tenants to
sustain their homes & doubling the number of
affordable & social housing properties by 2029, the plan sets a strong path forward. The TRC will continue to provide feedback to ensure tenant voices remain at the centre of this growth.
Welcome to our newest members – Claire, Nicole & Daniel!
DECEMBER 2016 MOMENTS THAT Matter
FINDING Purpose & COMMUNITY AT THE LODGE
From experiencing homelessness to finding purpose and connection, this tenant’s journey at the lodge shows how support, community, and opportunity can transform lives. After leaving the Beacon, Wayne faced a period of homelessness despite being employed. After several negative experiences, he had become distrustful of people and struggled to find stability in his life. A simple act of kindness—a colleague lending him a backpack—led to a chance encounter with a 55 Central employee, who helped him find temporary accommodation. While 55 Central provided a supportive community, communal living brought challenges, and the short-term nature of the housing meant he needed a more permanent solution. That’s when Foundation Housing became the next step on his journey. Since moving to the lodge, he has not only found a safe and stable place to live but also a true sense of community. “We all have our baggage, but the people respect each other,” he says. “Hearing other people’s stories helped me realise I’m not alone. It’s a horrible world, but also a great one.” Participation in Community Engagement events has been transformative. Naturally introverted, he found the social opportunities gave him the confidence to connect with others in a safe, judgment-free environment. This connection and sense of belonging inspired him to apply for the caretaker role at the lodge—a position that allows him to give back while maintaining stability in his own life. “The role gives me purpose. It’s a reason to get out of bed every day. I work alone but can stop and chat with residents when I see them.
POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor
Even people I’ve lived alongside for years, I’m finally meeting and connecting with,” he shares. He also takes pride in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment, noting that a tidy space encourages residents to care more about where they live. The role has positively impacted his confidence, mental health, and sense of responsibility. “It helps me think less about past troubles and focus on now,” he says. He values being a good listener and supporting other residents, hoping his presence makes a difference in their daily lives. Reflecting on his experience, he identifies key elements of a positive housing experience that have helped him the most: feeling safe, supported, and connected; having the tools and opportunities to improve his wellbeing; and feeling empowered to contribute to the community. “It’s not just a safe place to live—the support makes people feel safe. It’s a place to change your mindset, think positively, and restore trust in people and the world.” His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, opportunity, and community, people can rebuild their lives, find purpose, and thrive.
A story of finding strength in belonging & giving back.
WAYNE FOUNDATION HOUSING TENANT “Having a purpose gives me a reason to get out of bed every day”
We’d love to hear your Story What you share might inspire someone else or simply brighten their day. communications@foundationhousing.org.au Let’s Talk Send us questions, feedback or concerns without your name attached. We’ll share responses here in future editions so everyone benefits from the answers.
Phone 08 9422 0700
Address 297 Vincent Street, Leederville WA 6007
Prefer paper? Contact us to get a printed copy sent your way.
Email admin@foundationhousing.org.au
Foundation Housing acknowledges the First Australians as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate. In particular, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country where each of our offices are located including the Whadjuk Noongar people of Perth, the Yawuru people of Broome and the Kariyarra people of South Hedland. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
A home FOR EVERYONE
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