Council's Fletcher Street Cottage, in the middle of Byron Bay, is set to be reopened as a service hub to assist increasing numbers of local people at risk of becoming homeless, as well as people already sleeping rough, thanks to a collaboration between Council, the Byron Community Centre and Creative Capital - who are helping to fund the venture.
"This is such exciting news and is providing some much needed hope – that by working together we can deliver practical solutions to make a difference to our community's most vulnerable people," Council's Director Corporate and Community Services Vanessa Adams said.
The Cottage was previously run as a drop-in centre, and while the new Fletcher Street Cottage will look a little different, meaningful and effective support services will still be at the core.
"The Fletcher Street Cottage will once again provide services for housing, mental health, physical health and other practical wellbeing supports.
"We have never needed these services more than we do right now," Ms Adams said.
Led by Louise O'Connell, general manager for the Byron Community Centre, the Creative Capital team are volunteering their time and skills to raise funds, redesign the Cottage space and manage the renovations.
Creative Capital has already secured funding for staff to manage the new project - and with the new plans almost finished, the goal is to have the space open as soon as possible.
"The call will soon be going out for skilled volunteers such as trades like builders and painters, plus general volunteers and I encourage everyone to get involved in bringing the Fletcher Street Cottage back to life to assist those in need," Ms Adams said.
Find out how to get involved at www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
