The Shelter Collective inspires community to take positive action on homelessness
The Shelter Collective, a CQ based charity facilitating action to create solutions to homelessness, can now celebrate that they have been gifted the facilities at Hibiscus Gardens, South Gladstone.
“It’s been a slow and challenging process obtaining ownership over the facilities and being appointed as trustee over the crown reserve”, Executive Committee Member, Michelle Coats says, “but we can now progress our plans to refurbish these facilities and reinstate them as a valuable community asset”.
Now fundraising endeavours are in full force with a fundraising target of $3m to complete the first stage of the ARC21 project being the ‘Cooinda” refurbishment project. And they are off to a great start with significant funding being provided through the Iwasaki Foundation who were supporters of the first ARC project in Rockhampton and now want to continue their commitment through the ARC21 Gladstone project.
Vicky Bastin-Byrne who is the chair of the Iwasaki Foundation expressed her continued interest in supporting the ARC projects, “We were delighted to be a part of the success of the ARC20 project in Rockhampton that created 10 beautiful homes for women over 55 years who were facing homelessness and we are keen to support this new ARC project in Gladstone”
The Shelter Collective, together with the local Gladstone community, plan to repurpose the derelict property into affordable accommodation for people experiencing rental stress. Dave Grenfell, Chair of The Shelter Collective, is focused on engaging with community at all levels to get their involvement in the project. “We are believers in the power of a community to work together to create change for people who need it. Gladstone has already proven to be a community that wants to help and I know that we can make this project a success together”.
The Shelter Collective is actively seeking further support to continue the ARC21 project through the form of cash donations, fundraising effort or in-kind support. “We want to encourage people to get involved in whatever way they can and this might mean a simple cash donation or alternatively, volunteer their time and skill to assist with renovations, help coordinate a fundraising event or organise a team to renovate an entire unit” Michelle Coats says. “We encourage people to have a conversation with us”. You can get in touch via the contact page on their website www.thesheltercollective.com.au.
The Shelter Collective remains committed to its mission and looks forward to expanding its reach and impact through the completion of this project and its other initiatives across Central Qld. This project marks a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in Gladstone and showcases the power of community collaboration.
