Havannah House will get some much-needed upgrades over the next few years.
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The local emergency accommodation centre has been given $20,000 through the Barrick Cowal partnering program.
The much-needed funds will allow the group to install a disabled access ramp and fire escape.
Managers David and Julie Virtue and Geoff and Caroline Wells say they are “very thankful” for the funding.
“Barrick Cowal has been fantastic – it’s such a boost to know that we have got people who will help,” Mr Wells said.
“Forbes Shire Council has also been fantastic, giving us $5000.
“Local businesses also donate money and items to us.”
Havannah House opened nearly 10 years ago and has rarely had a spare room.
They offer rooms to families, women or women with children.
The Wells, who joined Havannah House in May, say it is emergency accommodation with a difference and an essential service to the community.
Joining the Virtues, they too live at Havannah House so they can support their residents for however long it takes to get them back on their feet.
“This is crisis accommodation but it can become longer term and it’s also about improving life and social skills,” Mr Wells said.
Whether that’s teaching cooking, appearing in court or helping young people develop the confidence to break the welfare cycle and take on training, they are there to help.
Mr Wells has a background in accounting and financial counseling is a very useful addition to what Havannah House offers.
Unnecessary debt is too often a factor for their clients.
“It’s about helping them realise how to work with what they have got,” Mr Wells said.
With that in mind, there is plenty to do to ensure Havannah House is there to meet this needs into the future.
“This is an old building and we’d love a new one … but it’s the people that make a home not the building,” Mr Wells said.
They are looking to secure future funding to install disabled access toilets and then upgrade their toilets over the next two years.
They have another application in to refurbish the multifunction room that is one of the house’s most commonly used areas.
Not only is it used by residents at meal times and for bible studies, it is home to a popular weekly women’s sewing group.
“It keeps growing, we have sewing machines here and some women bring their own,” Mr Wells said. “They all love it.”
