$125k for Protea Place
Public support needed to open safe space for homeless women
THE founder of Protea Place has launched an appeal to raise $125,000 for the homeless women’s sanctuary.
A change in grant accessibility stalled the expected April opening of the centre, however founder Amanda Dalton said she had faith in the public’s support.
“I think it is a worthy cause, and the public can help make an impact in their local community,” Ms Dalton said.
“If someone had a chunk of money they could throw at it that would be great, but in the meantime, we’re now looking at a way to develop in stages.”
Once opened, Protea Place will provide a safe space for homeless women to wash, charge their phone and have a chat to their support system.
“Funds raised will go towards set-up costs such as rent, insurance, food and finding a project officer to apply for funding,” Ms Dalton said.
“It will impact not only the women who need this service but also the wider Toowoomba community.
“Hopefully it will decrease presentations at the Toowoomba Hospital A and E and provide the women with employment options, decreasing dependency on welfare.”
Ms Dalton said the centre’s opening date would depend on funding and sustainability.
“We don’t want to rush it for the sake of opening quickly, we want to be strategic, making sure it is sustainable,” she said.
“The issue of women and homelessness is only getting bigger - it is not going away.”
Activities hosted by community groups are to add to the fundraising effort, including a Women’s Day breakfast hosted by Zonta this Friday.
For more information or to donate visit gofundme.com/ protea-place.