Hunter valley real estate agent provides accommodation help for domestic violence victims
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Apr 6, 2018
Hunter valley real estate agent provides accommodation help for domestic violence victims
A Hunter Valley real estate agent has created a new partnership to help property managers and landlords help victims of domestic violence.
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Image: supplied REINSW.Alexandra Haggarty, managing director of real estate agency First National David Haggarty, Maitland, is helping victims of domestic violence find accommodation.
Alexandra Haggarty, managing director of Maitland real estate agency First National David Haggarty, has partnered with Carrie's Place to help victims of domestic violence find suitable accommodation.
The Domestic Violence Rapid Rehousing Partnership helps property managers and landlords deliver better housing outcomes for victims of domestic violence.
REINSW President Leanne Pilkington said, “Alexandra’s work in helping survivors of domestic violence came about by pure chance after discovering one of her tenants had been a victim.”
“As a result, Alexandra created a partnership with Carrie's Place which provide domestic violence and homelessness services in the Maitland and Lower Hunter area.
“They developed a formal agreement which set down ground rules and a memorandum of understanding. This includes having access to case workers for the duration of the tenancy,” Pilkington said.
Haggarty said tenant conduct an open and honest conversation with their case worker, the tenant, and the landlord, and Carrie's Place has trained her staff to advise on the services that are available.
The owners are fully aware of the circumstances of the tenant, said Haggarty.
The program has been hugely successful.
“We've had a 100 per cent success rate and had clients move on to second properties, found work, and who keep the property in great condition.
“The benefit to the landlord is they get great tenants as they are grateful to have a roof over their head and a safe place for their kids," she said.
“My husband and I own the business, and we really want to run it in a different way to a lot of traditional real estates. We want to give back, increase social responsibility, client service and trust so it adds value," she said.
Haggarty's community work led her to be nominated for the REINSW Awards for Excellence John Greig OAM Community Service Award last year.
For Specialist Homelessness Services and Domeestic Violence Services in NSW, call the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 or visit the website for NSW Family & Community Services.
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