Feasibility study indicates viability of homelessness prevention scheme

Nous was commissioned by a group of not-for-profit organisations to complete a feasibility study of a scheme which received strong support at the federal government's 2008 '2020 Summit'. The 'Homes for homes' scheme is based on a successful model in the United States, in which home buyers contribute a small percentage of the cost of their new home to a foundation which distributes the funds to charities working to combat homelessness. The Victorian Minister for Housing funded the project, which was designed to determine whether such a scheme would be viable in Victoria.

Nous identified a range of possible options for the scheme, and constructed an economic model to determine which, if any, model would offer viable returns. Nous then consulted broadly across the entire property sector, testing the models with industry participants to determine interest levels and identify potential participants. Nous achieved widespread knowledge and understanding of the scheme, and secured a suite of supporters.

Nous' feasibility report, including recommendations, was then submitted to the Minister, whose response was overwhelmingly positive.