PathForward is a specialised Transitional Housing Plus program designed for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
It provides medium-term, subsidised housing for six months to five years, combined with:
This program is trauma-informed, evidence-based and aligned with national priorities to end family and domestic violence.
PathForward is design for women with dependent children, who are:
A first of its kind in Australia, PathForward uniquely assesses income, not residency, removing barriers and widening access for women who need safe housing urgently. It is also Australia's first family and domestic violence transitional housing model structure beyond 18 months with evidence-based recovery phases.
The program provides:
Women can also be considered for re-entry when no breaches or risks exist.
Tenancies are medium-term (up to five years) and designed to gradually build stability and independence.
The tenancy journey is structured around a phased recovery model:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Years 4–5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety and stabilisation | Processing and growth | Reintegration and independence | Extended support (if eligible) |
| Routine, emotional regulation, early goal setting and understanding program expectations. | Education and/or employment preparation, career sessions and increased independence. | Rebuilding identity, community connections, exit planning or eligibility for extensions. | Focus on employment, financial capability and preparing for private rental, long-term affordable housing or home ownership. |
Women's Housing Company provides tenancy management, program coordination, property viewings, goal setting and education and/or employment support through Purposeful Pathways.
PathForward strengthens community connections by:
Our trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practice ensures women feel safe, heard and supported throughout their journey.
PathForward incorporates a household-based rent model to ensure affordability while supporting long-term financial capacity.
Rent is determined based on household size and increases reflect the average market value in New South Wales at the time of property entry. For example, a two-bedroom property valued at $690 per week commences at $268.43 per week, while a three-bedroom property commences at $300.20 per week.
This approach provides predictability and fairness, and is guided by Department of Communities and Justice rent and sales benchmarks. The model is designed to build financial readiness for future housing pathways, including private rental or other long-term housing options.
PathForward balances independence with safety and personalised recovery needs.
To join PathForward, women must:
Eligibility is based on income, not residency, making this model a first of its kind in Australia.
PathForward balances independence with safety and personalised recovery needs.
If you are a woman interested in PathForward
If you are a woman with children who is experiencing or escaping domestic and family violence and would like to learn more about the PathForward program, please complete our Expression of Interest form. This will allow us to provide more information and connect you with our partnered support.
If you are a support partner
If you are a support service or practitioner interested in referring clients or partnering with the PathForward program, please reach out via our Expression of Interest form. A member of our team will contact you to discuss eligibility, referral pathways, and partnership opportunities.
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