August 8, 2013

Homeless Persons’ Week 5 – 11 August 2013

Co-ordinated by Homelessness Australia, Homeless Persons’ Week runs between 5th and 11th August 2013.

Increasing access to appropriate, affordable housing is one of The Wyatt Trust’s four key aims. Through the Housing Options Portfolio, The Wyatt Trust partners with a number of supported accommodation providers to fund packages of essential household goods and furniture to assist people moving into appropriate accommodation after a period of homelessness.

Catherine House is one such partner organisation, providing supported accommodation and a range of tailored programs and services to single adult women affected by homelessness. One client assisted by Catherine House was a young woman hospitalised due to mental health issues. Upon her release from hospital, she found herself homeless and isolated from her family network. The client was accepted into one of Catherine House’s supported programs, allocated a case worker and provided with support around finances, health and wellbeing, as well as engagement in positive social activities. Catherine House’s education and employment coaches assisted her to map out career goals and clear pathways to achieve them. The client participated in a number of on-site activities, such as craft, photography and several Tafe-accredited courses. She went on to complete a Foundation Studies course at university.

For this client, obtaining her own home was a vital part of her recovery. The Wyatt Trust Housing Package allowed her to furnish her home without the burden of going into debt. She now has a house she is proud of, has gained access to her daughter who was in the care of her family, and has plans to continue her university studies to complete a degree.

Visit the Catherine House website for more information about their services, and the The Wyatt Trust Housing Portfolio page for more information about our work in this area.