In the news: supporting Women to Own their Home
Check out this recent article from RealEstate.com.au exploring how Sydney’s “boys’ club” and the gender pay gap are locking women out of home ownership.
In many areas, women are earning significantly less than men - reducing borrowing power and making it harder to buy a home independently.
Why This Matters to Our Work
At Head Start Homes, we believe in putting people before property.
This is exactly why we exist.
The vast majority of the people we support are women - many navigating a system that was not designed for them, often on a single income.
Through our Empowerment Products and Services, we walk alongside our clients to help level the playing field — fostering confidence, capability, and real pathways into home ownership.
Recognising the People Behind the Change
We’re proud to see this conversation feature people connected to our work:
Kamini, a proud HSH client home owner, represents what equal access looks like in practice. After decades of housing instability - including moving more than 20 times and periods of homelessness - she partnered with Head Start Homes to chnage her future. Through discipline, support and guidance, she followed her savings plan, rebuilt confidence, and in 2024 purchased her first home. Today, she describes her journey as a transformation from “just existing” to feeling driven, confident, and in control of her own life.
Leanne Pilkington, our Director, is a nationally recognised leader in real estate and Chief Executive Officer of Laing+Simmons. With more than 40 years’ experience and as former President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, she brings deep industry insight and advocacy to the challenge of housing access. Her passion for social impact strengthens our ability to design and deliver innovative pathways, including initiatives like our Wollongong Affordable Rent‑to‑Buy program.
Rhiannon Jenkins, Director of Sourced Property and one of our Property Coaches, works directly with buyers to navigate the realities of the market — from understanding price to negotiating and securing the right home. Through her partnership with Head Start Homes, she supports clients to buy with confidence and make informed decisions in a complex system.
What It Looks Like in Practice
Kamini’s story shows what equal access can look like in real life - not just as an idea, but as a supported pathway to home ownership.
🎥 Watch Kamini’s story below