Non-profit real estate agency HomeGround aims to help an extra 1000 people find low-cost housing, including up to 300 who would otherwise become homeless, with a $3 million boost from the REA Group.

The national program will be unveiled at the Melbourne Town Hall today, with domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty lending her support.

People trying to move on with their lives were stuck in a bottleneck of limited housing options, Ms Batty said.

“When you are forced to leave a violent partner, you are the one that’s generally forced into crisis accommodation,” she said.

“You can’t enjoy life and take place in society if you don’t have somewhere to live where you can feel safe.”

HomeGround chief executive Heather Holst said family violence remained a leading cause of homelessness in Australia.

Rosie Batty has lent her support to the HomeGround program. Picture: Sarah Keayes. Source: News Corp Australia

Under the program HomeGround acts as a property manager, connecting tenants with landlords who are willing to offer below-market rents.

The normal leasing commission is slashed to make up some of the difference.

Rachael Newton and her children spent 18 months with no permanent address before HomeGround intervened.

Ms Newton said she was not eligible for government housing and only received minimal assistance because she was working.

“There’s an area that is so grey for people in my position,” she said.

“I didn’t want to be someone relying on handouts, I wanted to be self-sufficient.”

Saving for a bond and providing a rental history proved a stumbling block when Ms Newton approached traditional real estate agencies.

But she had moved into a Kew East apartment within a month of making contact with HomeGround.

Philip Endersbee has rented out his property to Rachael Newton, who had been looking a place to live for one and a half years. It was unfurnished, so Mr Endersbee found some furniture to help Ms Newton get back on her feet. Picture: Andrew Batsch. Source: News Corp Australia

Ms Newton said she was incredibly grateful to have a roof over her head.

“It means I can actually move on with my life,” she said.

The unit was unfurnished, but landlord Philip Endersbee donated a few essential items to help her make a fresh start.

Mr Endersbee now rents out four properties though HomeGround.

He said the growing list of landlords showed that people were looking for ways to give back to their community.

“There are a number of people out there who wanted to help, they just didn’t know how or had never been asked to help,” Mr Endersbee said.

Property owners don’t have to take a rent cut to assist the program.

HomeGround also manages properties at market rent and the income from management fees subsidises the homeless services.

“We offer owners a full service just like any other real estate agent,” Dr Holst said.

“Our point of difference is that we can offer an ethical investment for people’s money.”

The REA Group’s $3 million contribution over three years, which includes a cash donation and advertising support on its realestate.com.au website, will help provide rapid response housing for people in urgent need.

It will also allow HomeGround to ramp up its existing services in Victoria and expand interstate.

REA Group chief executive Tracey Fellows said the plan would divert people from the shelter system.

“The ability to get these people immediately into housing is a huge benefit,” Ms Fellows said.