Young Adult Share House Application Reference

Thank you for being willing to provide a reference for a short-listed applicant for our share houses. These houses are offered to Christian young adults between the age of 18-25 and a reference check is a vital part of the application process.

The questions are quite personal, but as the households are intentional Christian communities, not just an average share house, it’s vital to each house community that the right mix of people become part of the household – so this information will help us assess an applicant’s suitability to a particular house.

Your reference is 100% confidential and will only be seen by the pastoral support for the share houses, the share house property manager, and our Pastor. We may contact you for more information if we have any questions or need clarification.

We really appreciate your honest responses. Any questions or concerns we have arising from the information you provide may be discussed with the applicant (without identifying you) – but they will not see what you have written. If you leave a comment that you do NOT want to be raised with the applicant, please tell us.

If there is a question you are not comfortable answering, or simply don’t know, just write N/A.

Whatever information you can give will be appreciated, even if it’s only a few sentences. Any questions at all please contact our Share House Administrator directly on sha@hwbc.org.au

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Mobile/Phone (required)

If you are a church leader, what is your position/role in relation to the applicant?

Who are you writing a reference for? (required)

How well do you know the applicant? (How long for, in what contexts etc)

How would you describe the applicant's personality and character in a few sentences?

What can you tell me about the applicant's faith and involvement in church & wider community etc? Can you give practical/specific examples?

What leadership or service roles has he or she held that you are familiar with?

How does he or she relate with older adults in leadership or authority over him or her? How has he or she responded in areas where guidance has been needed?

How does the applicant relate with other people of similar age?

How do you think the applicant will go living in a co-ed/mixed gender household? With a male or female as a lead resident of the household? Relating with male or female pastoral leadership?

Has the applicant lived in a shared house type arrangement before? Do you know how this went?

Do you have any concerns about the applicant moving out of home for the first time (if that's the case)?

Can you comment on the applicant's financial responsibility and experience? Are they reliable with commitments?

How do you think the applicant will benefit from and contribute to living in a household of committed Christians?

How do you think the applicant will manage their household responsibilities? (e.g. cleanliness, chores, gardening, dishes etc)

Do you have any concerns about his or her practical self-care? (e.g. diet, awareness of mental/physical health states etc)

Are there other areas you feel the applicant may find challenging in this time of transition?

The houses are *not* alcohol-free but residents are expected to only drink in moderation. What can you tell us about his or her attitude to, usage of or experience with alcohol (including by family members, if relevant) or other drugs?

Are there any mental health issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, ASD etc) or (strong) medication being taken by the applicant that we should be aware of? *Please do not disclose without the permission of the applicant*.

Would *you* willingly share a home with the applicant? (if it was appropriate, you were of a similar age, etc, of course!)

Why do you think the applicant is choosing to move out of home? [especially if it's a long distance]

Is there anything else that you feel we should know about the applicant?

Any other comments:

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