Empowering women and their families in Collie
Taking homelessness off the table
Our organisational purpose is powerful in its simplicity – support more people. And the plan is all coming together. Thanks largely to the $1,084,021 in Community Housing Grant funding announced by the Minister John Carey MLA and Department of Communities, Accordwest is proudly building three rental homes on two adjoining blocks within walking distance of town. The brand new 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom units will be available for women aged 25-44, and their families, who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Collie, giving them the time, space and resources to regain control.
Our whole team walks alongside residents providing;
- Support to navigate the unknown forms and processes
- Representation on their behalf when dealing with service providers like government agencies and financial counsellors
- Support to identify, plan and set goals that build key skills to sustain tenancy
- Guidance towards stronger community connections.
Here's how it's all coming together
June 2022
$1,084,021 Community Housing Grant funding awarded
December 2024
Practical completion
January 2025
First tenants move in
Safe spaces to take back control
The South West has experienced a period of change over the last few years brought about by multiple socio and economic factors that have had a profound effect on smaller rural towns and communities, including Collie. As a result, it’s not uncommon to spend more than two years waiting for housing, in which time major problems begin to breed as people grapple with the uncertainly of where to sleep next. The new ‘safe spaces’ will break the cycle and set more women up for success by offering full access to all Accordwest Adult Family Homelessness supports and wraparound services. Our team walks alongside residents, creating an action plan to find the support they need, from assisting with forms and processes, to clearing debt and increasing savings, enhancing employment opportunities, and ultimately, moving into a home or rental of their own. We also collaborate with other service providers to link clients with long-term supports, acting in their best interests to maximise their independence and quality of life in the setting they choose.
Together, we can make it happen Collie
We can’t eliminate homelessness in the South West without you, Collie. Our vision to build accommodation for women and their families will be made possible by the local community. That’s why we’re proactively reaching out to share our vision and invite community support. We’ve already seen the power of people, when the local Bunbury business community wrapped its arms around our Tiny Houses project by offering up in-kind products and services that made a huge difference – not only to the project, but to the lives of those the project supports. Now we’re inviting Collie businesses to do the same. We know the houses will need everything from furniture, to whitegoods, bedding, linen, and even an imaginative eye on how to pull the interior design together. If you or someone you know can help, please reach out to Accordwest by completing the below form or the DONATE button via our homepage. Together we can ensure the project brings immeasurable positive shared benefits to the Collie community, both now and into the future.