Thanks to Carla’s supporters for making her dream a reality

Thanks to Carla’s supporters for making her dream a reality.

Head Start Homes extends its heartfelt thanks to all those involved in helping Carla towards the recent purchase of her home. After living in the community house for 16 years, Carla’s home ownership dream was fulfilled when she was finally able to call it her own.

**Ashley Steven,** *Principal at Ms. Deed’s Conveyancing*

Ashley Steven, from Ms. Deed’s Conveyancing, assisted Carla by guiding her through the legal process of purchasing her first home while also making sure her contractual obligations were met and her interests protected.

“I am extremely proud to be a supporter of Head Start Homes. Having lived in community housing for much of my childhood and being a single teenage mum, it means the world to me that I can help single mums achieve their dream of home ownership, which in turn provides another family with safe and affordable housing,” Ashley said.
“It was an absolute pleasure assisting Carla with her first home purchase and I wish her and her beautiful family only the very best for the future.”

Carla was able to access the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) Aboriginal Home Buyer Saver grant, available to eligible NSW Aboriginal residents who are building or buying a home in NSW. This grant matched Carla’s savings.

**Delin Foster**, *Director Policy and Evidence at Aboriginal Housing Office*

Deslin Foster and Debbie Avery from AHO supported Carla through the grant application process. Carla also accessed additional support from AHO to assist with the purchase of her property.

“It’s always great to see Aboriginal people realise the dream of owning their home. The AHO recognises the path to ownership can be one with many obstacles particularly in the current market where affordability and options are limited,” Deslin said.
“That is why we celebrate the partnership with HSH in supporting Aboriginal people in NSW just like Carla to realise their dream and starting the journey of change for the next generations. We congratulate Carla on becoming a new home owner!”

Deslin said the HSH Head Start Guarantee model worked with people on their terms and in their timeframe.

“The AHO is proud of its commitment to fund three grants to HSH that support Aboriginal people in NSW into home ownership.”

**Natalie Sampaklis**, *Lending Manager at St. George*

St George Mobile Lending Manager, Natalie Sampaklis, approved Carla’s home loan with discounted interest rates and lower fees.

“Carla was amazing. She is one of those dream customers who would always respond whenever I asked for something,” Natalie said.
“Throughout the whole process Carla was kind, patient and understanding. I’m so happy I was able to be a part of her journey.”

**Rennay Miller**, Housing Options and Support Manager at Community Housing Ltd

Rennay Miller, Housing Options and Support Manager from Community Housing Ltd (CHL) helped Carla by connecting her application to the Land and Housing Corporation and acting as the conduit between the organisations assisting Carla.

“Our vision is a world without housing poverty. Supporting home ownership for our tenants is not only a dream but a reality we wish for all,” Rennay said.
“We have enjoyed a long and trusting partnership with HSH, who have successfully assisted several of our tenants into home ownership.
“Dreams of owning your own home can come true, even for those who would not believe it's possible,” she said.

David Gray, CEO and owner of Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie, was more than happy to donate his services to Head Start Homes to guide Carla on the path towards home ownership.

“I certainly jumped at the opportunity and provided Carla with close guidance on house prices,” he said.”

Head Start Homes’ Home Ownership Team walked alongside Carla to provide guidance and coordination with other service providers to bring the purchase to fruition.

**Stephen Woodlands**, *Founder and Managing Director at Head Start Homes*

HSH Founder and Managing Director, Stephen Woodlands, said Carla’s journey to home ownership demonstrated the power of heart and collaboration:

“Carla was amazing throughout her home ownership journey with us – she never lost sight of her hopes and aspirations and is an inspiration to us all.
“As Carla wanted to purchase her home on Country, where she had raised her family, it was important that we navigated the challenges and coordinated the support required of the owner to ensure the home was fit for purchase.
“We are delighted to have been able to support Carla with our Head Start Guarantee and extend a big thanks to all our wonderful partners who worked passionately and tirelessly together to support Carla achieve her homeownership dream.”