Jewish House MyBond Support launched at NSW Parliament
The new collaboration to address homelessness will enable eligible individuals to access financing for a four-week rental bond.
A NEW collaboration to address homelessness, Jewish House MyBond Support, was officially launched at NSW Parliament House just prior to Rosh Hashanah.
The product will enable eligible individuals to access financing for a four-week rental bond while requiring an upfront fee of only one week’s rent, with the goal of enabling people to leave dangerous situations sooner.
“People need to have a home, somewhere where they can feel safe,” Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel said.
While the government does help people in a low-income bracket with bonds, Rabbi Kastel said there are people caught in the middle who are not eligible for such assistance, such as women escaping domestic violence.
“This project that we’re doing together with MyBond is around recognising that we need to do everything we can to help people who are at risk of homelessness.”
MyBond CEO Ray Dib described the current situation as “relentless”.
“Rents are increasing, vacancies are very, very low, which is driving more Australians to homelessness,” he said.
“We believe that no person should have to stay in a violent situation at home because they just can’t afford to move out.
“Our collaboration with Jewish House is a beacon of hope in a world where many are struggling in the shadows. We are not just offering shelter, we are providing safety and hope.”
Lokahi Foundation CEO Rachael Natoli told her personal story of leaving an abusive marriage with her twin boys.
“I had no idea of what to do or where to go … we ended up having five different homes in seven weeks,” she said.
She said the three weeks she spent at Jewish House “was the first time in a long time that I’d actually felt safe”.
“Once we were settled into our new home, our new safe life, I decided that I wanted to help other abuse victim-survivors. Now I have the privilege of working with Jewish House,” she said.
“Jewish House MyBond Support is going to be a lifesaver … what that really means is that victim-survivors can leave their abuse sooner knowing that they can afford somewhere safe to go.”
Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill, who hosted the launch, said addressing homelessness is a NSW government priority.
“However, it is incredibly important that I particularly mention the non-government sector, including Jewish House, where you are a key stakeholder and driver of innovation in this area.”
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