Are Media, Australia’s leading omnichannel content company for women, has welcomed the passage of the federal government’s key housing policy, the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) which represents the biggest investment in social and affordable housing in more than a decade.

The fund, which is designed to build 30,000 new and affordable social homes in its first five years, will now become law after a deal brokered with the Greens has seen an additional $1 billion added to the Government’s overall investment in social housing.

Kate Colvin, CEO Homelessness Australia said “The homes delivered with this funding will be life changing for every woman and her family housed. The positive outcome achieved, with even more funding committed than was originally planned, is a testament to the many voices that have joined the call to address the housing crisis”.

Jane Huxley, CEO Are Media said the passage of the legislation is a great day for Australia’s most vulnerable particularly for women fleeing domestic violence and facing homelessness.

“Every day we hear from our readers about the struggles women, particularly those over 50, face finding a home after a marriage breaks down or they become victims of domestic violence.

“Over the past year we have been part of a nationwide coalition of community, women and housing groups fighting for a major boost for community and social housing.

“Our Unhoused campaign, which has seen more than 27 of Are Media’s omnichannel brands regularly creating content on homelessness and calling for Government action.

“Today I’m proud and pleased to say that because of the work of thousands of campaigners and a government that has recognised the growing homelessness crisis, the future for many Australians is just a little bit brighter.

“And while this crisis is not going to be fixed over-night we are so pleased to see this significant step forward,” Jane Huxley said.

As part of the Unhoused campaign Are Media in January announced it would contribute $1 million in pro bono advertising space across its portfolio of omnichannel brands to be shared amongst homelessness, family violence sectors and women’s organisations working to solve women’s homelessness.

Are Media announced the first three recipients of the foundation: Youth Off the Streets, Housing All Australians, and Everybody’s Home, who were each allocated $250,000 in advertising and creative support to feature in Are Media brands in 2023.

Working with a coalition of the country’s leading housing organisations, Are Media’s “Unhoused” campaign, launched in 2022 aims to drive a significant increase in funding for safe homes for Australian women.

A petition for the campaign has garnered more than 40,000 signatures, demanding governments boost funding for social and emergency housing nationally.

Are Media has also incorporated a strong government relations and marketing campaign, highlighting the increasing and often silent problem of homeless women nationwide.

Are Media : where connection ignites attention