Teresa is a social worker with the Association for the Blind WA. Teresa studied social work specialising in women's studies and community development and has years of experience using these practical skills both professionally and through her community work in Lockridge.
Jarrod is World Vision Australia's National Advisor for Youth, Faith & Activism. Jarrod is a peace award recipient and pastor and an active Ambassador for Welcome to Australia, founding 'Welcome to My Place', a movement practicing hospitality for refugees amongst the larger community.
Their 'little family' is supported by an incredible network of friends and family who share a commitment to refugees and share their vision for a welcoming, inclusive community for our newest Australians.
There is a housing crisis in Perth. Only 2% of rental properties are vacant.
The mining boom has seen a huge increase in the number of renters and this additional competition has left parties outbidding each other to lease the few rental properties on the market. In this environment, refugees - our newest Australians - struggle to access affordable accommodation, let alone accommodation close to employment opportunities or community services.
Jarrod, Teresa and Tyson have come up with the First Home Project to help provide affordable medium term accommodation and an inclusive community for refugees who are struggling in this housing crisis. They've found a house in an exciting, growing suburb in Perth. This property has enough bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens for three families at a time, and with some renovations, in as little as a month it could be ready for their young family and some of our newest Australians to move into.
The First Home Project isn't just about a house. It's about building a community.
It's about providing a 'hand up' with affordable accommodation and walking alongside them as they build their new lives in Perth. Jarrod, Teresa and Tyson are excited about creating a home for their young family and their new refugee friends.
Jarrod, Teresa and Tyson believe that love is practical and the First Home Project is an opportunity for them to put their love for our newest Australians into action. As a family, they have decided to take tangible action, put others first and build their lives around responding to homeless refugees in Perth.
Sharing their lives and committing their lives to including the marginalised and vulnerable in our societies is a part of who this young family are. It's what they have always done. It's what they always will do.
And now, they're inviting you to join them. You can join this young family and practically demonstrate your compassion for our newest Australians by taking action. Watch the video, visit http://www.firsthomeproject.com.au/ and see if you can give this loving young family a hand!
First Home Project from First Home Project on Vimeo.
