- A garage to unit convert will provide much needed accommodation
- Not-for-profit, Coast Shelter will deliver the dwelling for family violence victims
- A 70K grant from Lendlease has funded the project
The Central Coast not-for-profit, Coast Shelter, will soon open another safe dwelling allowing them to accommodate more women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness as a result of family violence.
The new lodging is financed by a $70,000 grant from Lendlease’s FutureSteps Program.
Coast Shelter is based on New South Wales’s Central coast and provides support programs along with accommodation for those in need.
Michael Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Coast Shelter, said he was encouraged that Lendlease expressed a determination to help end homelessness and domestic, family violence on the NSW Central Coast.
“Coast Shelter is delighted and thankful to receive such generous financial support from Lendlease to help expand our capacity to provide women and children facing or escaping homelessness due to domestic and family violence with a safe place to call home,” said Mr Starr.
“Our partnership will enable Coast Shelter to provide safe, short-term accommodation and personal support services around the clock for an additional 10 women every year on the Central Coast.
Michael Starr, Coast Shelter Chief Executive Officer
The additional accommodation will be delivered by converting the garage of an existing family violence refuge. The garage will become a unit, providing short-term housing for women who have found themselves experiencing homelessness as a result of family violence.
The added dwelling space will be a welcome addition in light of the ongoing nationwide shortage of suitable accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence.
A builder has been appointed to undertake the conversion and with works underway, the completion is expected towards the end of the year.
Lendlease’s Centre Manager at Erina Fair Shopping Centre, Stephen Ross, said supporting this kind of project is the reason behind the company’s FutureSteps program.
“Too many Australians are affected by domestic and family violence, and being able to provide a safe place to call home is so important.
Stephen Ross, Lendlease Centre Manager
“We are grateful to be able to support Coast Shelter’s valuable work in the community [with] the grant in support of increasing accommodation at their family violence refuge, and we look forward to continuing this relationship well into the future,” said Mr Ross.
