Justice Connect is one of the many community organisations funded by the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) each year to improve access to justice in Victoria and we are thrilled to see they have won a Good Design Award 2024 in the social impact category for a project we are proud to have supported.
Justice Connect received funding in our 2022 grant round to develop the first iteration of Home of Your Own, a free, online self-help tool which empowers Victorian renters facing family violence to safely and proactively avoid homelessness.
Launched in April 2024, Home of Your Own was co-designed with people who have lived experience and frontline community workers.
This innovative tool features:
- personalised information in over 40 targeted legal scenarios
- practical guidance and steps to help women discern the complex housing and financial impacts of family violence, understand their options and take proactive steps on their rights
- customised document generators to help renters communicate with their rental providers about safety and privacy needs in their rental homes
- targeted pathways to additional support, including legal, housing, financial and family violence support services.
The Good Design Awards are one of the oldest and most prestigious international design awards in the world, promoting excellence in design and innovation. The Awards embody the philosophy that design has the power to shape a better world.
About the VLSB+C grants program
VLSB+C grants support community organisations and projects that aim to increase access to justice for Victorians. Our grants program has been running since 2007. In that time, we’ve provided over $66.5 million to help fund hundreds of projects that make our justice system fairer and more accessible for everyone.
Quote from Fiona McLeay, VLSB+C Board CEO and Commissioner
“The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner is a major supporter of access to justice in Victoria through our grants program.
“I am so pleased to celebrate this Good Design Award win by our highly esteemed sector colleague and grantee, Justice Connect, and that they have been recognised in this way for the significant role they play in assisting people get the legal information they need to help keep a roof over their head.”
Quote from Chris Povey, Justice Connect CEO
“Family violence continues to be a leading cause of homelessness for women and children, who represent 74% of people accessing Victorian homelessness services.
“Developed with vital funding from the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner, Home of Your Own is Justice Connect’s newest award-winning, self-help tool, working to break the links between family violence and homelessness through free, anonymous, legal information and personalised document generators for renters experiencing family violence.”