As the economic squeeze continues to exert a ripple effect across all sectors of industry, community and housing, it is falling increasingly often to Not For Profits to fill the gap in services that would traditionally be fulfilled by government or big business.
Some of WA’s leading NFPs discuss how this urgent need to help the neediest in our society plays out in their day-to-day operations – as well as their hopes for these gaps to be plugged by funding from coffers other than their own.
Measuring results and identifying the gaps
Susan Rooney, CEO of Vinnies WA, is well-accustomed to measuring the economically impact the work her organisation does on a daily basis – and the gaps filled by the services they offer. Although it may be obvious on a macro level how these services make a difference, what is harder to assess is whether in the long term they change lives – or just act as a temporary sticking plaster.
“We want to look beyond simply measuring what we are doing in the community - we want to know whether what we are doing actually leads to meaningful change,” said Ms Rooney.
“For example, we can help a person who has experienced homelessness by providing them with a home, but meaningful change means that they are able to live a happy and fulfilling life.
“We use the Outcomes Measurement Framework for community services to measure and determine whether the people we support are safe, stable, healthy, equipped to engage with their community and the economy, connected to others, and empowered to choose how they live their lives.”
From Vinnies’ point of view, there is a gap in services for young people experiencing homeless, a gap filled for more than 20 years with its Passages Youth Engagement Hubs in Perth and Peel
“We expect that gap to widen as the demand for services for young people increases,” said Ms Rooney.
“We would hope that the Federal Cabinet recognises this need when it visits Western Australia, and works with the State Government and not-for-profits to address these issues.”
Vinnies looks for funding and sponsorship opportunities with Government as well as with corporate partners to support its existing services or to fill gaps in service delivery. Emergency relief and financial counselling are two other areas where gaps exist in Western Australia.
Ms Rooney along with other leaders in the NFP space hope that the Federal and State Government will identify these gaps in consultation with the sector, and implement a plan to address the shortcomings.
“For example, we have set up a special housing fund under the direction of our State President, which assists people at risk of homelessness by providing accommodation options,” said Ms Rooney.
“In times of crisis, this means clients might be able to stay in their home or in safe and secure alternative accommodation.
“This is a gap we fill because the need is there, but it could be addressed by State and Federal Governments embracing systemic change.”
A focus on housing and funding
Foundation Housing’s CEO Chris Smith is looking forward to the opportunity to propose additional investment to the Federal Government when the cohort arrives in WA, after the Queen’s death postponed their recent planned visit to Port Hedland.
Notwithstanding this missed opportunity for now to propel the NFT’s agenda in front of the men and women from Canberra, Mr Smith continues to manage the ongoing accommodation crisis many Western Australians are experiencing.
“The people of Western Australia have been a subject to the same challenges as all jurisdictions across the country,” said Mr Smith.
“The unemployed, those living in social housing or finding meaningful support are still our most vulnerable and there will always be that cohort that exists. The community housing sector is reliant on a State Government that will continue to support this cohort.”
Capital and sourcing new avenues of funding are the ever-present challenges Foundation Housing and other NFPs face.
“As a for-purpose NFP operating under a professional and regulated framework, Foundation Housing has demonstrated to the sector that it’s capable,” said Mr Smith.
“The challenge is having the recurrent and adequate funding or capital to deliver sustained and scalable social and affordable housing outcomes.”
