Waiting for social housing? Tell your story

20/04/2022

Are you on the waiting list for social housing in NSW, Queensland or Tasmania? If so, researchers in a new project would like to learn more about what life is like as you wait for a social housing property to become available.

By sharing your story, you will help them provide recommendations to governments and other organisations to improve the social housing system and better support people as they wait.

Who are the researchers?

The researchers are from the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of New South Wales and Anglicare Tasmania. Their research is jointly funded by the Australian Research Council and various community partners.

What is this research about?

The researchers want to learn more about the people who are waiting for social housing; what it’s like to wait; and how waiting impacts upon your life. They are also interested in why and how people apply for social housing and how they manage the application process.

Who do they want to talk to?

The researchers would like to talk to two groups of people:

Those who are listed on the waiting list as being ‘high priority’ or having very high needs
Those who are not classified as high needs/priority and who have been waiting for more than two years

What would be involved?

As a start, a member of the research team will interview you about your experience. The interview will take about an hour and be held at a place of your choice. With your permission, they will interview you again about a year later to see if things have changed for you. In between – if you agree – they would like to call you every 4-6 months to check in and see how you are doing.

For each face to face interview that takes place, you will be remunerated to thank you for your time and contribution.

Are there any risks?

The researchers may talk about hardships you have been through while applying and waiting for social housing. Some questions or topics may make you feel uncomfortable but they can change the topic, have a break, or stop the interview. How much you share is completely your choice. You do not have to give a reason to stop the interview or change your mind about being involved in the research.

Will I be named?

No, your name will not be used unless you specifically ask to be named. Alternatively they can give you a pseudonym, which you can choose if you wish to. Whatever you tell them will be confidential.