GALLERY | Mossman homeless activity centre grand opening
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Victoria Stone-Meadows
The new Mossman Community Services Activity Centre was officially opened today and will help connect the community’s most vulnerable people to essential services.
The centre has been made possible by a grant from the State Government’s $2.5 million Dignity First Fund.
The centre will act as a safe first pint of contact for people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness in the Douglas Shire.
Manager of the Mossman Neighbourhood Centre, Christine Woods, said the opening day was the perfect chance to showcase the region’s community services.
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“The purpose of the hub is to provide a safe space for those who are homeless or impacted by homelessness in any way,” she said.
“It is also open to anyone else in the community who would like to come in a sit and find a safe space.
“We connect individuals and families accessing services or can connect to other support services they need.
“It’s all about dignity and focused around ensuring people know there is a place to go.”
Ms Woods said the new activity centre will provide people with clear pathways to assistance in a comfortable and caring environment.
“We’ve got our community connect worker, Erica Mast, who will work with those who are impacted as an information advisory and referral service,” she said.
“We already have a lot of people coming in at the moment who are couch-surfing or being evicted from their homes and so forth so Erica will asses their immediate needs and refer to specialist services.”
Other community service groups, clients, councillors, and local business people attended the opening today.
Ms Woods said she was pleased with the turn out at the event and hopes the different groups and programs found value in the day.
“It’s great; we are using the opening not just to showcase our services but for networking for other services to come and have that combined conversation,” she said.
“We want people to showcase who they are a put it out there that we are here to support the community.”
The activity centre is located next to Mossman Support Services on Mill Street and will be open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm.
Check out the photos from the opening here.
All Images: Victoria Stone-Meadows