A historic Orange church building is set to be converted into emergency housing for residents in need.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Plans to transform the Orange Uniting Church kindergarten hall on Anson Street were lodge with Orange City Council this week.
"We want to be that church in the centre of town, which is very clearly showing that we love people and that God loves people," reverend Andrew Cunningham told the Central Western Daily.
Also making news: Feel that shake this morning? Orange had an earthquake
The more-than-a-century-old building will comprise seven small units, a large common area, kitchen, dining space, bathrooms, and an office.
An access ramp and minor external modifications are also included in the plans.
Stays of up to three months will be offered to "people needing emergency accommodation." The growing number of displaced woman in Orange will be a focus. Capacity is limited to 11 people.
Construction is due to begin before Christmas. Guests will be welcomed from the middle of next year.
"Our understanding of the gospel of Jesus is that it's not just about your inner self ... the way that Jesus interacted with people was he cared deeply about their lives and their physical wellbeing," reverend Cunningham said.
The kindergarten hall was built in 1919 to accommodate the Church's growing Sunday school. William Lamrock designed the building.
It is protected under the NSW Heritage Register. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the NSW Department of Community and Justice to fund the conversion.
Also making news: WHEN WE RULED THIS CITY | Socials snaps from December 2003 - Part II
"As church changes and less people go to Sunday school ... we've found it probably hasn't been used as much as we would like, so we've been looking for a different use," reverend Cunningham said.
"Over the last few years, we've investigated things such as cafes going in ... but we we decided that we'd investigate something else that actually suits our mission a bit more."
Reading this on mobile web? Download our news app. It's faster, easier to read and we'll send you alerts for breaking news as it happens. Download in the Apple Store or Google Play.