New app launched to assist community housing residents save money

Residents of WA’s leading not for profit social and affordable housing provider, Community Housing Limited (CHL), are set to take part in a pilot program to trial a new App that will assist in managing the consumption of energy and utilities delivering substantial savings for low income families and also help in reducing their carbon footprint.

Funded by Lotterywest and developed by social enterprise Climate Clever on behalf of the Rise Network’s consortium of not for profit housing providers, the ‘Bill Buddy’ App is designed to help users measure, monitor, compare and reduce their consumption of energy and utility bills. It will also calculate their carbon footprint and show how they can make a positive impact to the environment by making changes to the way they use appliances and utilities.

Managing Director of CHL Steve Bevington said CHL is not only focused on developing innovative housing options for those experiencing housing difficulty but is dedicated to helping residents sustain their tenancy through a wide range of such initiatives.

“Having a roof over your head is important, but it’s just one step towards living a stable and fulfilling life. We are continuously looking at new ways to support our customers so they can enjoy stable lives, raise families, engage in employment or study. This App is one of many such initiatives,” Bevington said.

CHL is part of this innovative technological solution as a wider collaboration across the community housing sector which will assist residents to help them manage and reduce their utility expenses and provide them with extra disposable income to live a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Upto 50 CHL residents will be participating in the pilot which will run through to mid next year.

“Every dollar counts when you are living on minimal funds and managing expenses week to week, often there’s not much to spare. If this App can help people save even just a few dollars each month, it is going to have an incredible ripple effect, enabling them to use the extra cash to do things they otherwise thought were not possible,” Bevington said.

“People on low incomes are particularly vulnerable to the increasing cost of energy and daily living expenses pushing them into financial hardship. Technological Initiatives like Bill Buddy can make a real difference in their lives so we are really excited to see what savings it can deliver to our residents,” Mr Bevington adds.

Community Housing Limited (CHL) is a national not for profit provider of community and affordable housing to those disadvantaged in the private rental market. In Australia, the Group manages over 11,000 properties across six states through its extensive network of 22 offices.  It also develops affordable housing overseas and has offices in Timor Leste, Chile, PNG, Rwanda, Peru, Indonesia, and India.

Pearl Dy

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Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.

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