With a vision of scaling its impact, Dignity developed an innovative program to drive lasting reductions in the number of people experiencing homelessness and unemployment.

Dignity believes securing and maintaining employment is key to sustainable transitions out of homelessness and into stable housing. In building an individual’s capacity to secure and maintain long-term employment and housing tenancies, this holistic initiative increases future affordability.

Dignity’s Ready To Work Housing program, launched in 2022, provides program participants experiencing homelessness with safe, stable housing for up to 12 months, employment pathways, and wraparound support to ensure participants have the necessary support to progress through the program, maintaining both employment and tenancy. Throughout the program, participants pay subsidised

rent with a rental ledger and reference provided at the end of the 12-month program to assist participants with securing private rental.

The execution of the program involved strategic partnerships with employment partners, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations, as well as referrals to support services.

Dignity’s robust process evaluation framework tracks implementation, efficiency, and outcomes. Early insights led to program adjustments and the development of a breakout pilot program for people who were not ready to work but who were able to ‘transition to work’ with greater supports and time period.

Over the past three years, 136 people have been supported in the Ready To Work Housing program, with 60% remaining beyond the initial three-month stage. All of these participants secured employment and improved their housing affordability.

Wellbeing metrics showed significant gains in safety, financial security, and social connection, with findings indicating that the program is especially impactful for those who have spent the longest time outside the workforce.

Ready To Work Housing is a scalable, evidence-based model that empowers individuals to end their homelessness, achieving increased housing affordability and long-term independence. It demonstrates how stable housing, employment support, and compassionate care can create sustainable exits out of homelessness.

For more information about Dignity, visit www.dignity.org.au.