Evaluation of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS)

Service providers felt that the cost to them of finding accommodation for large families was not
adequately reflected in their funding. Some also expressed concern that the amount that entrants had
to save to pay for an accommodation bond, four weeks’ rent and utility connection costs was very
high and current contract prices did not address any potential shortfall. Other problems exist with
small (one and two person) households. While it might be easier to find appropriate accommodation,
the level of disposable income with small households is, of course, much lower.
Concerns raised by clients from large families included the decision to locate some in small flats,
particularly for short term accommodation. Closed and contained spaces were confining for some
families. When they were used to open spaces, living in confined environments increased stress
levels and therefore made initial settlement harder. AS providers have found that they are sometimes
assisting clients with managing neighbour disputes caused by the cramped environments. Children
unintentionally damage the property, which then has caused real estate agents to become
uncooperative. Some clients also found adapting to Western ways of living extremely difficult. They
said it would have helped if they had had the opportunity to think about these things beforehand,
through information gained at overseas posts. Finding the right assistance to manage such difficulties
was important for clients. Many stated that they do not wish to be a burden on the system and
expressed concerns about their capacity to adapt.
Because of the numerous difficulties in finding appropriate accommodation, some entrants said they
felt they should accept whatever is offered.
I got access to public housing within four months of arrival because I was considered a
special case. I have seven children, of whom five are boys. I have severe arthritis and
problems with incontinence. The unit had one bathroom with a toilet. I should not
complain. However, managing my incontinence, with one toilet and five grown up boys
makes it harder for me everyday. My heart breaks. Then, on top of that, I have to manage
three flights of stairs. Sometimes I have to skip AMES classes because of the stairs and
the incontinence. It is so hard sometimes, especially in an emergency. This also makes
me lonelier and sadder.
(Client)
Gaps and overlaps in IHSS contracts
Service providers and stakeholders identified a number of examples of overlaps, gaps and
ambiguities in the AS contract.
Confusion arose in one capital city over the role of the AS provider and the HFS provider in relation to
the provision of essential items such as bed linen and kitchen goods. Both service providers provide
these goods, but there is confusion over what the client can take with them when they leave
temporary accommodation.
Another area of confusion is an overlap between the AS and IIOA service providers in relation to
responsibility for ensuring information about accommodation is provided and understood.
It is better to let the AS provider deal with everything that is about the accommodation.
The IIOA provider has enough to do without worrying about the tasks of an AS provider.
Where there might be instances that an IIOA provider should address the task of another
IHSS contractor, that specific contract should indicate it.
(CSR Volunteer)
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Evaluation of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy 27 May 2003