How to help Protea Place

FOR the past two years staff and volunteers at Protea Place have been helping homeless women get their lives back on track.

Women in need can go to the Russell Street centre, have a shower, do some laundry, connect with government services, use the internet and access counselling. Importantly, they have a shoulder to lean on.

On Thursday the centre held a celebration recognising the foundation sponsors who chipped in to pay the rent.

It included representatives from Newlands Group, the FFG Group and NRG Group.

Newlands Director Barry O’Sullivan said the money was well spent because everyone has a mother, daughter, sister or aunt who may fall on hard times in the future.

“Because the money goes straight to the front line and it is not tied up in administration costs, it really makes a big impact,” he said.

“Newlands runs at about 11.5 per cent woman participation and my wife Emily is a big advocate for women’s health and support.

“Her passion combined with being in a male dominated industry, it sends a really strong message to our staff.”

While Newlands and NRG have committed to covering part of the centre’s rent, the organisers need more help as the operation is entirely supported through donations.

In the past two years demand for the service has increased by more than 20 per cent.

From January through to the end of May, 920 women used the service.

“185 women have been supported for DV services and 286 hygiene packs were given out, and 146 were given access to laundry and shower services,” CEO Amanda Dalton said.

Ms Dalton said the current housing crisis displaced many women from their homes, who were now seeking support for the first time.

“Women are extremely vulnerable on the streets just by the very nature of being a woman,” she said.

The centre has launched an appeal calling on 1500 people to pledge $5 a week.

“Without government funding, that is the only way we can secure our future, it is the cost of a cup of coffee.”

“That will secure our future by making sure our operational costs are covered and we’re not having to cling to fundraising events.”

To see how you can support the much-needed centre visit proteaplace.org.au