12/1/01
The State Government, local businesses and a Christian mission have joined forces to provide urgently needed crisis accommodation for young women in the City of Stirling.
Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said a new five-bedroom home in Nollamara would offer counselling, support and a secure home environment for up to six young women aged 16-19 years.
Run by the Cross Cultural Christian Communicators, known locally as the 4C’s, the home will cater for young women from a variety of backgrounds, commonly involving family crisis and consequent homelessness.
The 4C’s is a non-denominational Christian mission founded in 1992 by Rev Michael and Janet Tayler to provide relief to people in distress. It already provides a valuable counselling, foodbank and welfare service from nearby offices in Tuart Hill.
Dr Hames said the 4C’s had identified a shortage of locally-based short to medium stay crisis accommodation for young women, and decided to do something positive about it.
“They approached the Ministry of Housing for assistance, and we were very pleased to provide both the land and a new purpose-built house under our Crisis Accommodation Program,” he said.
“Local businesses then became involved, providing support in areas ranging from furniture and fittings through to cash donations, and it has ended up a real community effort of which everyone can feel proud.”
Dr Hames said the accommodation would be closely supervised, with a live-in Housemother and daily involvement by 4C’s counsellors and other professionals.
The residents would receive counselling, employment guidance, communication skills and training in areas such as managing a budget and cooking a meal, while they stayed there.
Dr Hames commended the 4C’s on their initiative, and wished them every success with the new venture.
The Ministry’s Crisis Accommodation Program makes funds available to a range of community organisations that can demonstrate they have the ability and financial support necessary to provide crisis housing. Over 300 properties have now been provided across the State under this program.
Media contact: Sandy Gater, Minister’s office, 9424 7450
