A supportive residence to support a small number of women over 50 who are at risk of homelessness has opened in Beaudesert.
Centacare Mercy House will welcome women for stays from three days to three months. They will be supported and empowered to find and sustain affordable, safe and permanent housing. This could include support to build rental history, find part-time employment or establish financial independence.
The four-bedroom house was generously gifted to Centacare by the Sisters of Mercy in August last year.
Speaking at the opening of the house on Tuesday 25 March, Director of Centacare Services Deb Clark said women over 50 were the fastest growing demographic experiencing homelessness in Australia.
“Most of these women have never been homeless before,” said Ms Clark. “In fact, many don’t even identify as experiencing homelessness. They might move between staying with children, relatives or friends to keep a roof over their head. Some are adept at house-sitting whilst others sleep in their car when there is nowhere else to go.
“For these women Centacare Mercy House will provide more than just shelter. Our team can provide assistance with paperwork and arrange legal advice, financial counselling and support. Once suitable accommodation has been found, our teams can assist with relocation, connecting women with service providers to make their transition between homes as easy as possible.”
Centacare has a long history of supporting people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness. Across the Fraser Coast, Centacare teams provide a safety net for hundreds of families and individuals each year.
“Tackling homelessness goes beyond providing housing and it is hoped that Centacare Mercy House will become the cornerstone of a broader housing support service that supports women to work through challenges associated with sustaining their current tenancy or living arrangements,” said Ms Clark.
“Our teams will work with women to resolve issues associated with an increasingly unaffordable rental market. This might be support with responding to a breach notice, guidance on speaking to a landlord about difficulties in paying rent, or support to secure another rental property.”
Ms Clark acknowledged the generosity of the Sisters of Mercy, who have been a presence in Beaudesert for more than a century. “The confidence they’ve shown in us to continue their legacy of walking alongside the people of Beaudesert will continue to inspire and guide,” said Ms Clark.
If you’d like to support people at risk of homelessness, Centacare accepts donations to support people with crisis accommodation, counselling, food and essential items.