How It Works
Bushfire Housing has been set up to help the thousands of people who have been made homeless by the Victorian and New South Wales bushfires. It is a central place where people who are in need of shelter can make contact with people who are able to offer temporary accommodation.
Hosts
If you are able to offer accommodation, register with the site. On the registration form, select “offering housing” from the option at the top, and then fill in your details.
After completing the registration process you will receive an email confirming your account. Follow the link and log in with your password provided in the email. When you are logged in, you will see an option in the left hand navigation to “Provide Housing”. Click this link and enter the details of the accommodation you can offer.
When a Guest expresses interest in your accommodation, you will receive an email notification with their name and contact details. You may then contact them directly and make any arrangements that you wish to.
If your property is filled or becomes unavailable, we would ask you to log back in to your profile and edit your property’s information by un-checking the “this property is available” box.
Guests
If you are seeking accommodation, you can browse the list of available properties without creating an account or logging in. Simply click the “Find Housing” link and start searching.
If you want to express interest in a property, you must register and select the “seeking” option. Once registered, you will be able to express your interest in any of the available accommodation options that meet your needs. Upon indicating your interest in an accommodation option an email with your name and contact details will be sent to the Host. The Host can then contact you directly to discuss the details of the accommodation they have to offer.
Moving Forward
Once initial contact has been made Bushfire housing is no longer involved. Hosts and Guests should use their common sense and discretion when undertaking to negotiate suitable accommodation options with each other. Hosts and Guests are advised to consider their needs carefully, to be honest and to ensure that they are not entering into a situation that makes either party uncomfortable.
It is important that Hosts and Guest only commit themselves to what is appropriate for them. The emotion of the terrible events that have unfolded and continue to unfold can sometimes be overwhelming for those who are in need and for those who are keen to lend assistance. Please be judicious and ensure that the agreement that you make between Host and Guest is fair, equitable and clearly stated. Bushfire Housing also provides a non-binding occupancy agreement to Hosts and Guests to help them in this matter.
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