Accordwest’s mission to end homelessness in the South West is all coming together, with the ground-breaking Collie Transitional Housing Project now well into the construction phase.
The exciting milestone brings to fruition an ambitious vision made possible by the State Government’s generous $1.4million Community Housing Grant. Once completed, the town of Collie will have three homes on Wallsend Street, delivering the local community much-needed transitional housing for women and their families who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
With the slabs now poured, the project is on track for practical completion late 2024, with first tenant access in early 2025.
The future starts now
Accordwest CEO Evan Nunn celebrates this milestone. “This is an exciting inflection point, not just for local women and children at risk of or experiencing homelessness, but for the entire town of Collie,” he said.
“Over the last few years, the South West’s housing supply has been profoundly impacted by socio and economic factors that have meant it is now not uncommon to spend more than two years waiting for housing. The construction of these new ‘safe spaces’ will help break the cycle and set more women up for success by offering them the chance to get a roof over their heads, create an action plan to find the support they need, build their self-confidence, dignity and skills to regain control of their lives, and start the journey towards moving into a home or rental of their own.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank Minister John Carey, MLA, Minister for Planning; Lands; Housing; Homelessness, Local Collie/Preston Member, Ms Jodie Hanns MLA, and Accordwest’s building partner Dale Alcock Homes for their contributions to making this invaluable project possible.”
Every voice matters
The project has generated a robust discussion in the Collie community. Many are embracing the vision and welcoming its potential to assist the most vulnerable. Others support the concept yet have honest concerns about various unknown impacts it might have on their neighbourhood. This diversity in opinions is normal, healthy, and vital to sparking the right conversations to create safe places to live.
Accordwest already has a successful track record in this space. Its Tiny Houses project, initially met with some expected resistance, quickly allayed any community doubt and fear through open, transparent community conversations, reinforced by a safe integration into the local community and neighbourhood. With more of a presence in the town, the Collie Transitional Housing Project will again seek positive community involvement to listen, clarify, and move forward to a successful outcome, together.
To strengthen already existing connections, plans are being made for Accordwest to host a follow-up to the first community meet-up held in August 23. Residents should have the opportunity to hear more from other support service organisations who will be invited to be involved in bringing the project to life, as well as gain a richer understanding of the project. This event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday May 29th at 6PM, at the Roche Park Recreation Centre in Collie.
40 years in the making
The project comes as Accordwest prepares to celebrate 40 years of being woven into the fabric of Southwest communities. Mr Nunn said a successful completion would be a fitting gift to the people who drive its purpose. “We are proud to have a longstanding commitment to being a part of the housing and homelessness solution here in the South West,” he said. “Our mission has always been to support more people to live the life they choose to live by providing a suite of wraparound services that assist the community to make safe choices in life. With a genuine, person-centred approach, we’re always thinking ahead to anticipate the needs of tomorrow.
“The local communities are forever in our plans and thoughts. Every story matters. That’s why when they ask for our help and support, we make them feel like they can tell us their story and we actively listen and understand. It’s this two-way conversation that allows us to make courageous, impactful decisions that result in meeting real community needs, influence social change, and create a safer, secure future for all.
“It’s exciting to see our vision to build accommodation for women and their families all coming together. And that’s exactly how it will be made possible – by the local community uniting as one. Together we can ensure the project brings immeasurable positive shared benefits to Collie, both now and long into the future.”
Minister Carey, MLA, Minister for Planning; Lands; Housing; Homelessness, Member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns, MLA and Accordwest CEO, Evan Nunn celebrate recent Wallsend Street sod turn.