A crisis accommodation centre, which hasn’t even opened its doors, has received 10 requests for help in just two weeks.
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Private charity Pay it Forward is fitting out a house with the help of donations of supplies and time, hoping to open in five weeks’ time.
But co-founder Karlie Irwin said just two weeks after getting the keys, the charity already had 10 families on the waiting list.
“I’m not surprised,” she said.
“With the charity at the moment, a number of people come to us for support.”
Mrs Irwin said domestic violence only accounted for some of the reasons people needed some help.
Others desperate for help included single parents with several children and couples, single people who are couch surfing, and the elderly.
“Couch surfing and financial hardship are the big ones, plus finding affordable housing and being accepted into private rentals,” she said.
“Fifty to 60 per cent are single parents, whether they be male or female.
“The minimum wait for social housing is five years and the maximum is 10 years and the number of people who can’t access affordable housing is growing.”
Stays will range from 24 hours to three months, depending on the family’s needs and support services plan to work with them to get them back on their feet.
The statistics show people won’t leave at times of crisis because they can’t take their pets.
- Karlie Irwin
The refitted house will include four bedrooms as well as two refurbished kitchens and living areas, a communal laundry and an outdoor area.
“We are, we think, the first pet-approved crisis accommodation facility in this area,” Mrs Irwin said.
“The statistics show people won’t leave at times of crisis because they can’t take their pets.”
She said creating barbecue, sitting and play areas within the backyard was a community project she was trying to get off the ground.
Meanwhile, the inside is being fitted out to create a warm feel.
“We want a great space for them to get out of their crisis with dignity and have some privacy around them as well,” Mrs Irwin said.
Several businesses have contributed furniture, bedding and their time and Mrs Irwin said the property’s owner was very supportive – the property will be leased for a year as a trial.
“We have a view to a long-term lease,” Mrs Irwin said.
Mrs Irwin said the front two family bedrooms were fitted out and ready, while the back two singles and couples rooms were in progress.
The charity started in November 2015 out of Ms Irwin’s garage before moving to a community shed in Glenroi Avenue the following April.
It now includes 25 staff, of which eight people with disabilities are paid and the remaining 17, including Ms Irwin, are volunteers.
“It’s about a modern, fresh approach to meeting people’s needs,” she said.
Pay it Forward’s lawnmower program is co-funded by NSW Family and Community Services, which allows low-income households to hire a lawnmower and whippersnipper for $2 each to maintain their yards.
“We’ve found that it’s cut down on the number of eviction notices because it’s lessend the burden of property maintenance – people are able to take ownership and maintain their homes,” Mrs Irwin said.
“They have security knowing they will have a roof over their heads and people in the Glenroi and Bowen areas have said how much better their areas look.”
She said the crisis centre was an extension of the support the charity tried to provide and it was amazing what could be achieved with very little funding and a lot of focus.
She welcomed donations of anything from trades to furniture and supplies like soap, toothbrushes and bed linen to keep the centre running once it opened.
“Housing Plus are working on domestic violence women’s shelter accommodation and that will take the weight off us – that’s another facility we support,” she said.
The Pay it Forward Community Shed is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm.
Raffle tickets are also available for $10 and purchasers go into the running to win a Samsung television.
Pay it Forward wishes to thank:
- Harvey Norman
- Marion Clout
- Tilstons Electrical
- Coles
- Kmart
- Pillow Talk
- Smolle’s Trading Mart
- Early Settlers
- Leewood Secondhand Centre
- KJ Warden
- Matt Fremantle