We, concerned members of the community, unite to address an urgent matter within Habitat for Humanity Victoria (HFHV) - the imperative need for fairness and equity in its programs. Our call for action stems from the distressing case of Erin and her family that demand immediate attention.

Erin, a single mother. and her two children are set to be homeless, despite her fulfilling her obligations in the HFHV program for 4 years, eagerly awaiting the chance to purchase her family's home. However, recent events have unveiled a distressing reality - HFHV's policies lack consistency and fairness, evidenced by Erin's family's unjust eviction.

Despite enduring hardships such as job loss and medical leave, Erin has consistently met her monthly payments. Regrettably, HFHV's decision to evict her in order to expedite the sale of her home, driven by immediate need for mortgage funding for another project, reflects a disregard for her circumstances and a departure from the principles of compassion and empathy.

Moreover, the unequal treatment between Erin and another family in similar circumstances raises profound concerns about the fairness and equity within HFHV's operations. While one family was granted a one-year extension to get a mortgage due to a medical emergency, Erin was afforded only 90 days, highlighting a troubling disparity. This, as stated by CEO Scott Dutchak, is due to the need for funding for the next project: Ferguson.

The introduction of the mortgage policy, following Erin's patient wait of over three years, has only compounded the challenges. Pricing her home at Fair Market Value, rather than the previously presented "cost + 25%", has created an unreasonable financial burden on her ability to ever become a full-fledged homeowner - which is what the program is all about.

We urge HFHV to:

1. Immediately halt the eviction proceedings against Erin and her children to facilitate constructive dialogue and resolution.
2. Conduct a comprehensive review and revision of policies to ensure equitable treatment for all program participants.
3. Provide Erin with the opportunity to purchase her home at the originally presented terms.
4. Implement transparent mortgage policies that support homeowners in realizing housing aspirations without undue hardship.

Let us rally together in reaffirming HFHV's commitment to integrity and compassion in providing affordable home ownership solutions. By advocating for justice and fairness for Erin and all families within the HFHV Homeownership program. 

More information here: HOME | Seeking Fairness and (fairhabitatvictoria.com)