Introduction
B. Miles Women’s Housing Scheme provides medium term supported accommodation (3 – 18 months) to women without dependent children who have a mental illness. B. Miles also has the capacity to provide outreach support to a small number of women living in their own accommodation (for more information on the outreach program refer to the B. Miles Information Pack).
B. Miles is funded by the NSW Department of Community Services under the Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program (SAAP). The SAAP program is the Government’s response to homeless people. Thus, women accepted into B. Miles must also be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and in need of support.
Applicants must undergo a formal assessment before they are accepted into B. Miles.
Aims of this Policy
- To ensure equitable access and distribution of supported housing.
- To maintain a fair assessment process and non-judgemental allocations.
- To provide an open and transparent application and allocation process.
Policy
When vacancies arise within the program, B. Miles will select the most suitable applicant for assessment. B. Miles will consider the following when making this selection:
- Does the applicant still meet the B. Miles eligibility criteria.
- Will applicant be available to receive support from B. Miles during office hours (Monday – Friday. 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.).
- Whether the vacancy is in a single or shared dwelling.
- If shared, compatibility with existing tenant (e.g. smoking/non-smoking, age, addiction issues etc).
- Locational needs.
- Whether or not clinical supports are in place.
- Whether or not applicant/referring agency has maintained contact with B. Miles whilst on the waiting list.
- Whether or not the applicant is engaged with supports/programs as stated at the time of referral.
- Whether or not the applicant’s needs can be met within existing resources.
I. B. Miles Responsibility
At the point of referral, B. Miles will:
- Be open and transparent regarding the application and allocation process.
- Send each applicant/referrer a B. Miles Information Kit.
- Explain about B. Miles generally and the assessment process specifically, if required.
- Consider all relevant information provided by or for the applicant and inform applicant/referrer if applicant does not meet eligibility criteria, stating reasons why.
- If applicant does not meet eligibility criteria or has an urgent housing need, provide information about suitable alternatives, if available.
- Explain about the B. Miles outreach program if the applicant does not require housing within the B. Miles program.
- Provide the Complaints Procedure if applicant/referrer is not satisfied with the outcome.
II. Applicant’s/Referrer’s Responsibility
- That all relevant information regarding an applicant and her circumstances is provided at the point of referral.
- To provide accurate and honest information regarding the applicant’s circumstances;
- To remain in contact with B. Miles (minimum once a month) to register continued interest.
- To keep B. Miles informed of any change in contact details, particularly telephone numbers;
- To keep B. Miles informed of any change in circumstances, e.g. offer of housing elsewhere; change of clinical supports.
If B. Miles does not hear from an applicant/referrer for 6 months, the application will be removed from the waiting list.
To download a referral form please click on the link below. Alternatively you can call the B.Miles office on 8383 9400 to arrange a time for a phone referral.
REFERRAL FORM PDF ( 16KB)