Homes Out West began life as Deniliquin Community Tenancy Scheme with CTS funding in 1984, managing four properties. 

In 1998 there was a push by the funding body to amalgamate Homes Out West with three other organisations in the south west – Albury, Wagga and Griffith. Homes Out West resisted this and developed a strong focus on pursuing strategies to ensure their independence and viability. The CTS funded organisations in Griffith and Wagga Wagga subsequently amalgamated.

Several key strategies were implemented to progress the organisation. One element was to undertake a Housing Needs Analysis of the region surrounding Deniliquin to identify potential opportunities. Out of this came the Balranald project which saw a partnership formed with Balranald Shire Council and MacKillop Rural Community Services to develop 6 independent living units for disabled young people in Balranald.   Another was to form an alliance with Vinnies Homelessness Services and co locate together in one stop shop with the capacity to assist people along a seamless transition from early intervention to long term housing options. In 2000 HOW employed the current Executive Officer and now had a property portfolio of 30 properties – 16 capital properties and 14 leasehold properties. The capital properties consisted of 4 properties of 4 units each.

HOW achieved 3 year Accreditation in 2001 and following this achievement marketed its housing management skills to other organisations on a fee for service basis. This has lead to many strong partnerships being formed which underpin HOW’s viability. Strong support partnerships are also in place with a number of support providers. These partnerships have resulted in property numbers in Deniliquin and region growing to 90 in 2005.

In 2005 HOW achieved an A grade registration in the initial round of Performance Based Registration administered by the Office of Community Housing.

As a result of the wind up of Albury Community Housing in early 2006, HOW was approached to undertake the management of the former organisation’s properties. HOW now manages an additional 92 properties and has expanded its geographic reach considerably.