A former aged care facility on the NSW Central Coast has been put to much-needed use as a refuge for older women escaping domestic and family violence or who are at risk of homelessness.
Sydney-based Women's Community Shelter has partnered with housing provider Pacific Link to transform the disused aged care facility in Ea st Gosford into a 14-room transitional housing facility for displaced women aged 55 and over.
Natalie Ward, the Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, says the government is happy to provide $300,000 to help develop the shelter.
"Domestic violence is prevalent and particularly women over 55 are at risk of domestic violence and homelessness," she said
"This collaboration has seen a building that would otherwise be sitting empty coming to life and providing that healing space for women."
The shelter has fourteen self-contained units with a communal area, but Ms Ward says it is providing more than just shelter or a home.
"It's about all the wrap-around services that go with that to accompany a woman on her journey through healing and ultimately getting back on her feet," she said.
A place to call home
Women's Community Shelters chief executive Annabelle Daniel says women aged over 55 are the fastest-growing group of homeless people.
"So it's incredibly important to us that we provide that social inclusion, that economic support to get back on people's feet and to be able to engage in life fully," she said.
Ms Daniel says the properties are designed to be safe, welcoming environments that women want to call home.
"A lot of women who've experienced domestic violence might have had a life where they've been told, 'You're useless, you're worth nothing, you can't do anything right, you're an awful parent', so coming into an environment that is beautiful is the road to healing," she said.
When the women leave the shelter for more permanent accommodation they get to take the furniture and appliances with them.
Opportunity for more shelters
It is the fourth time Women's Community Shelters has partnered with another organisation to transform a disused building.
Chief operating officer Simone Parsons says the organisation would love to open more.
"We look forward to the opportunity to work in partnership with any other providers who may have vacant properties that we can help you use," she said.
Ms Ward says the government also wants to help provide more shelters.
"Come forward if you've got an idea, you've got a site, you've got a partnership," she said.
"We have record funding in NSW for our core and cluster projects, but the Community Housing Innovation Fund is also looking for unique and innovative ways for us to help the community."
