A disused aged care facility in East Gosford has been transformed into a 14-room transitional housing facility for displaced older women through a partnership between the NSW government, Pacific Link Housing and Women’s Community Shelters.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said this initiative is an important addition to East Gosford, providing much needed support for vulnerable older women in our Central Coast community.
“This program will keep women safe by providing transitional accommodation for up to 36 months while occupants secure more permanent housing,” Mr Crouch said.
“By repurposing a private building that was no longer being used, this initiative provides a wrap around support for women aged 55-years and older who are escaping domestic and family violence or who are at risk of homelessness.”
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the vacant site had been given a new lease of life while providing much needed housing for vulnerable older women.
Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) COO Simone Parsons said there is a high number of older women experiencing and at risk of homelessness in NSW.
“Through this partnership additional housing is being supplied. WCS will also provide residents with case management support and coordinate community engagement and wellbeing activities as well on-site support services,” Ms Parsons said.
Pacific Link CEO Ian Lynch said his organisation was proud to partner with like-minded organisations who were willing to take an innovative approach to support women escaping domestic and family violence.
“Now that refurbishment work is complete, the first group of new tenants are readying to move in,” he said.
“Each tenant will receive their own refurbished studio apartment and the site has also been fitted out with communal lounges, kitchens, laundry facilities and gardens.”
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766).