The ACT Government has announced the latest round of grants to enable social housing tenants to connect with their community. Due to COVID-19, the grants program has been expanded to include digital classes and memberships as many educational offerings move online due to physical distancing restrictions.
The 2020-21 grant program has been designed to support tenants to get involved and stay connected with their community through a range of digital, sporting, arts, cultural, education, employment and training activities, that have either moved online or been adapted to COVID-19 restrictions.
‘Tenant Participation Grants’ of up to $400 are available for tenants to participate in a number of activities and purchase relevant materials or equipment. The ACT Government says these activities could include the following: digital memberships for online painting classes, music or instrument classes, sewing courses, cooking classes, communication or language course, career planning and coaching and CIT courses. Social and educational activities, work, and activities that result in new or improved skills will be eligible.
The grants could also be used for training to support friends or family, such as through domestic or family violence response training or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), or to pay for childcare fees while the grant recipient attends a course or class.
Housing Minister Yvette Berry said the grants will support tenants to get involved and stay connected with the community, as well as provide opportunities for both personal and professional development.
“This is a great opportunity for public and community housing tenants to get creative and try something new during this time when people aren’t out and about as much or where some activities haven’t been able to start back up yet,” she said.
Grants are open until 5pm Monday 14 September. For more information, visit the ACT Community Services Directorate website.
