At Evolve Housing, supporting residents to remain safely and securely housed is at the heart of our work. The Tenancy at Risk Panel (TARP) is a practical and compassionate model that brings together the right people across the organisation to respond quickly early when a tenant’s housing may be under pressure.
Every fortnight, tenancy and property managers, support workers and senior leaders meet to review complex situations some of our tenants are experiencing, identify what interventions or support is needed, and coordinate a tailored plan. It is an approach that prioritises people and relationships over process and paperwork.
“What I love about TARP is I call it low tech and high impact,” said Greg Locke, Head of Housing Services. “It is a very person-focused issue. It brings cross-organisational accountability with senior leaders involved every fortnight.”
The program is now fully embedded across Evolve Housing and has been adapted for different resident groups, including people living with disability, those experiencing long-term trauma, and others with complex needs. TARP is not about ticking boxes. It is about listening, understanding the whole story, and designing responses that are timely, respectful and realistic.
A recent example involved a resident who had been managing trauma and hoarding behaviours that were making it difficult to maintain her home. Through TARP, Evolve Housing coordinated support to clear the property, rehouse her pets, and connect her with mental health services. With space and support, she began creating new routines for herself, including a daily checklist she wrote and placed on her fridge.
“That change came from her,” said Dyana Selim, Senior Manager of Support Services. “It shows what happens when people are supported, not punished.”
TARP continues to make a meaningful difference by providing a consistent, joined up response to complex challenges. It allows our teams to act quickly, share knowledge, and work together to help residents maintain stable tenancies and a strong sense of dignity. Since its implementation, approximately 200 tenancies have been sustained or stabilised to the point where they are no longer considered at risk. This is a powerful reflection of the impact this collaborative model is having across our communities.
This is what sustainable housing looks like when people are placed at the centre of the solution.
