Wesley Mission Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 31
Housing and accommodation
More than a bed
In 19/20, Wesley Mission provided
Support is available for people who are experiencing homelessness
or who are at risk of becoming homeless in NSW through a range of
targeted programs. Our work also includes early intervention support
to prevent eviction and ensure living arrangements remain secure.
nights of accommodation
Wesley Homeless Services supported
3,601
people
Individuals
Families
Teenagers and young adults
From Newcastle to the Royal National Park, we
offer a range of services for vulnerable single
adults aged 18 and over including
accommodation, emergency relief and food,
along with access to wraparound supports for
mental health and more.
Focusing on the areas of Parramatta and the
Hills, Liverpool, Fairfield and the Central
Coast, we support families including single
parents and children with secure and safe
housing options. A range of services are
available for families and couples who need a
place to stay, along with those who have more
sensitive support needs, including people
experiencing domestic and family violence.
Through our locations and outreach across Sydney’s
Inner West as well as on the Mid North Coast, we
provide a range of programs for young people.
Support includes safe and affordable
accommodation, support for family breakdown,
mental health and employment pathways.
We partner with the Women’s and Girls’
Emergency Centre and Pathways Community
Care (Pendle Hill). We also partner with The
Benevolent Society and YWCA Australia in the
South-East Sydney district to support families
and individuals who are at risk of
homelessness through early intervention.
In Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca this work
includes home visits by trained Family Reconciliation
Workers to support parents and young people,
including under 16s, to strengthen positive
relationships and reduce risk. This targeted
intervention supports young people to stay safely in
their family home and to maintain school attendance.
525
487
We partner with St Vincent’s Hospital to deliver
therapeutic support for people experiencing
mental illness and homelessness in
Metropolitan Sydney. Two senior mental health
clinicians are embedded within the Wesley
Mission Therapeutic Support Team to assist
with assessment, treatment, referral and care
coordination.
1,567 471
including
individuals
supported
30
193,683
receiving targeted
mental health support
families
supported
We partner with Youth Off The Streets to deliver
support for young people in the Inner West
of Sydney.
young people
supported
including
348
young people assisted
on the Mid North Coast
A new future for
Wesley Edward Eagar Centre
Veterans
Wesley Mission partners with RSL LifeCare
to deliver Homes for Heroes. This program
offers tailored support for people who have
served in the Australian Defence Force.
Applying a trauma-informed, recoveryoriented approach, the program provides
accommodation and wraparound supports
to help veterans achieve their goals with links
to addiction support, mental health
treatments and other services accessed
through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
In October 2019, a Development Application for
the complete transformation of Wesley Mission’s
crisis accommodation facility in Surry Hills was
approved. Wesley Mission CEO, the Rev Keith V
Garner AM said of the urgent nature of the
project, “Our building is no longer fit-for-purpose.
We’re not just providing a bed, we’re offering a
whole range of services to help people leave
homelessness for good.”
Housing is available at two program
locations in Penrith and Narrabeen with
transition support provided to secure
long-term stable accommodation in a
veteran’s local community.
“The new design will offer increased dignity and
comfort, with the security of a single room and
ensuite bathroom. Residents will also receive
additional support services including mental
health, financial counselling and employment
support.”
Older people
Wesley Mission supporters and donors have so
far pledged $3,533,580 towards a fundraising
target of $8 million, with City of Sydney
announcing a $1 million grant in March 2020.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the council is
proud to support this crucial service.
Single, older Australians are often at greatest
risk of becoming homeless and can
experience vulnerabilities like social isolation.
We provide support by helping them to
secure accommodation, to settle in and to
ensure that appropriate care services are
provided to help sustain their health and
independence.
71
veterans supported
26
older people
supported
“I remember your team came and supported
me at my appointments, you guys felt
like family to me… Mental health is a real
issue but support and communication is
key, that is what you guys showed me and
that is why I am the way I am now.”
Supported by Wesley Therapeutic Support Team
“It is unacceptable that in a city as prosperous as
Sydney, people are living rough on the streets…
we are delighted to partner with Wesley Mission
on this important upgrade.”
Two interim locations in Sydney have been
secured to continue providing accommodation
during the renovations and both are now
welcoming people.
Lipman was appointed as the construction
partner to complete the building upgrades, which
are anticipated to take approximately 10 months.
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