Stacey’s journey: From living, to working in community housing

For Stacey Northover, Believe Housing Australia’s Head of Housing Operations, providing homes for people in need is more than just her job: it’s her reason for being.

Growing up in community housing in the United Kingdom, Stacey knows first-hand the “doors that can open” when you have a safe and secure place to call home.

“By simply having a secure roof over my head, so many doors were opened to me,” Stacey said.

“Things like access to health and education, and a home that my parents could make into a secure environment.

“I want to give others the same opportunities that I’ve had as a result of community housing, as it had such a profound impact on me.

“From a young age, I’ve dedicated my whole career to community housing.

“At the end of the day, it’s my sense of purpose; the reason I get out of bed in the morning.”

Following a 22-year career in community housing in the UK, Stacey and her family moved to Australia to join Believe Housing Australia at the beginning of 2021.

In her role, she is responsible for overseeing the delivery of housing services to all tenants, which includes leading the housing team.

“This includes all the day to day running of services, things like tenancy management, assets and repair services, income management, business administration, and water, behaviour management and more,” Stacey said.

“I spend a lot of time making sure services we deliver are compliant with the requirements of our contracts and accreditations, and I also help develop programs with Government and other agencies to address housing needs in South Australia.

“Most importantly however, I make sure that we’re delivering high-quality services that our customers want, and need.”

Before she’d even signed a contract, Stacey said she felt a strong sense of connection to Believe Housing Australia’s values.

“As soon as I started the application process, I completely fell in love with the company, my values aligned, and I could tell Believe Housing was who I was, what I was about.

“The team was incredibly supportive in helping me navigate travel and moving overseas in the midst of a pandemic.”

Once she landed in Australia, Believe Housing Australia and AnglicareSA felt like an “extended family” to Stacey.

“While the Believe Housing Team didn’t really know me, they offered so much care and support; they were an extension of the Believe Housing Australia values really, and like another family to me,” she said.

“They sent care packages to the hotel, they lent us furniture, they just went over and above what you would expect from an employer.

“I just felt excited to work for a company that clearly lives its values.”

Like her, Stacey encourages those looking for a career with purpose, to explore current job opportunities with Believe Housing Australia.

“If you want to work with us you need to have key principles and values, and reflect those, really live them,” she said.

“If you do, there are so many opportunities at Believe Housing Australia.

“You might come for one job, but the exposure and learning opportunities available across the business are vast.”

Almost 18 months since joining Believe Housing Australia, Stacey is more committed than ever to ensuring Believe Housing Australia meets the needs of its tenants, and building a strong team that can support this delivery.

“I need to make sure my staff are well taken care of,” Stacey said. “I want them to enjoy the job as much as I do, if you have a happy staff you have good outcomes for tenants.

“And while it can be hard work, I enjoy doing it because of the outcomes for our people, and the people we support.

“It all comes back to my why and purpose; I love what I do and I love the company.

“I feel very lucky.”