1. Who can refer?

WHY are able to take referrals from anyone 16 - 21 years of age who are on a low income and homeless or at risk of homelessness. Other services may refer or self referral is OK. We cannot accept anyone who needs 24-hour support/supervision.

2. How long is the referral process?

This takes 2-3 weeks. During this time you will have an interview at our office, you will meet the other tenants and have dinner with them and you will have a sleepover at the property. This is done to ensure that you get to know us here at WHY, the other tenants, property and area; it is also a time for current tenants and us at WHY to get to know you.

3. How much does it cost?

WHY will charge you a rebated rent according to your income. The rent is 25% of your income plus $10 per week. This covers rent electricity and gas. Tenants must pay for their own food and other personal needs. A bond equal to 6 weeks rent is also payable. Bond is only payable once on moving in and is returned to you on leaving if you do not owe us any money.

So - if your income is $350.00 per fortnight, your rent would be $90.00 per fortnight and your bond would be $270.00.

4. How long can I stay?

WHY tenants can stay for up to two years or until they are 21 years. We then help clients move on to more independent accommodation and can continue to provide aftercare support if required.

5. What support will I receive from WHY?

Youth Housing Workers can provide you with:
• individual casework
• support and advice
• information and resources
• living skills programmes
• advocacy and assistance

6. What are the House rules?

You will sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement which will fully set out the rules and responsibilities of your tenancy before moving in to WHY accommodation The house rules include:
• No violence physical or verbal
• No pets
• No harassment of neighbours: both next door or in the next room
• You must attend house meetings once a week and other meetings arranged with WHY
• You must take equal responsibility in keeping place clean and tidy
• Your own room is your own responsibility
• You must pay rent when it is due
• You are fully responsible for the people you allow onto the premises
• You must attend all house meetings and other meetings as requested by staff.

7. Will I have to share a room?

Each tenant has their own bedroom with a lock on it.

8. Can my friends stay over at the house?

You may have one friend stay over for no more than two nights per week. You are responsible for their behaviour while they are visiting you.

9. Do I need to have my own furniture?

WHY provides all the basic furniture for the house including lounges, tables, kitchenware, washing machine, fridge etc. WHY also provides a bed, wardrobe and bedside table for your bedroom.

10. Where will I be living if I am accepted as a tenant of WHY?

WHY provides housing services for young people in the Parramatta, Aurburn and Holroyd local Government area.

11. Are WHY staff available 24 hours a day?

Our office hours are 9:00 – 5:00 Monday to Friday. However, we are available to all of our tenants on a 24-hour emergency phone number.