SAINT BENEDICTS LOGO NOV 2018                                ACNCChristos

Saint Benedicts Homestart Shelter Village

Overview
As a growing level of homelessness occurs in our community, Saint Benedict's endeavours to proactively help those experiencing homelessness with tangible and meaningful assistance.

A sad reality is that some amongst us are either sleeping in vehicles, tents in the bush or sleeping bags at various locations. Nothing is more important than a roof over your head and a bed for sleep, yet for some this is but a dream.

For those without homes sleeping in public areas and the need to use public facilities creates issues for local Authorities and in most cases results in Rangers forcing the homeless to move on to another location. This does not address the issue it simply moves the problem to someone else’s backyard.

homestart image st b2

Solution
Saint Benedict’s model is simple and straight forward. Develop a homeless shelter village with accommodation, ablution and laundry facilities, community resources centre and social enterprises as a cornerstone platform for returning to mainstream society. It will operate with a focus on collaborating with other homeless service providers creating opportunities for positive outcomes together.  

Funding for development and operations of the village would be carried out by the Foundation being self sufficient and non-reliant on any Government or Local Authority funding.
 
 
SAINT BENEDICTS WAY FORWARD MODEL
 
 
The greatest epidemic today is not TB or leprosy, it is being unwanted, unloved and uncared for
Mother Teresa
 

 

  • Saint Benedicts Village - Peel (2021)homestart
  • Shelter for those without a home – 50 beds
  • Safe, secure accommodation, community centre & clinic
  • 24/7 management & accommodation hotline
  • Platform to re-establish independent living
  • Ongoing guidance and mentoring
  • Christian Principles

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed Shelter Village

The design of the Village will take into consideration the overall objectives of the Foundation and awareness of the WA Government’s 10 Year Strategy on Homelessness ”All Paths Lead to a Home”.

The individual cottage settings will comprise of three accommodation wings around a central landscaped garden area with the fourth wing comprising Administration and Facilities forming a quadrangle.

The Village will comprise:

  • Private self-contained living units for 50 women (some with children)
  • Administration and Facilities block to enable staff and counsellors to deliver services
  • Common user area for villagers
  • Hub for external specialist service providers to directly meet with villagers
  • Staff comprising of Village Manager, Assistant, 2 Clerical, 2 Counsellors, Concierge, Cleaner, Handyperson and 14 Volunteers (2 per day)2 staff will be full time live in
  • Roof solar panels, below ground wastewater treatment and fire suppression systems

Cottages will comprise:

  • 40 single 25 sq mts cottages with 8 sq mts veranda
  • 10 double 40 sq mts cottages with 10 sq mts veranda
  • Separate shower and toilet, sleeping area, lounge and kitchenette

Administration and Facilities block will comprise:

  • Office for Village Manager, open plan working area, community facilities area for villagers consisting lounge, library (with Wifi), Chapel and quiet area
  • Area for staff and volunteers to hold meetings and meet visitors
  • Reception area and visitor seating
  • 4 separate offices for counsellors to ensure privacy for one on one counselling
  • Kitchen to provide paid dinners for villagers, seating for up to 30 women, operated by a commercial caterer
  • Laundry consisting of 6 commercial washing machines and 2 dryers

Saint Benedicts Women’s Shelter Village Proposal

Picture 1

 

Commitment Agreement

  • When engaging with the Saint Benedicts Women’s Shelter Village a Mutual Understanding Agreement is required in order to ensure successful transition to independent living.

   Saint Benedicts Expectations:

  • Treat others with dignity, respecting their preferences and privacy
  • Accept responsibility for your actions and not engage in anti-social behaviour
  • Engage in opportunities that supports your transition to independent community living
  • Commit to an agreed plan and goals and work towards achieving your goals
  • Demonstrate commitment to achieving your goals

   Participants Expectations:

  • Be treated with dignity and accepted as an individual, receiving respectful support
  • Be friendly, approachable and clear communication that meets individual needs
  • Create opportunities to support transition to independent living
  • Create an agreed specific plan with goals and work towards achieving these
  • Provide safety and stability
  • Continue to encourage and motivate to aspire and achieve goals

 

Safe Secure Accommodation