THE former Opal Aged Care Facility will re-open next year as emergency accommodation, after the building was purchased by the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst.
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The Diocese purchased the Boyd Street facility about two months ago, with a plan to utilise the former 80-bed facility to house the homeless, and those those fleeing domestic violence or other situations, as the need arises.
Catholic Bishop of Bathurst, the Most Reverend Michael McKenna, said the decision to purchase the building was made after witnessing the success of similar projects within the Bathurst community.
"There is an obvious need in the community for emergency accommodation and services to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community can have a meal provided, temporary accommodation when needed, and access to social services," he said.
"The wonderful success of the Uniting Safe Shelter project, providing men in the Bathurst area with a bed and a meal through the winter months, demonstrated the need for emergency accommodation in the area."
Bishop McKenna said the Diocese will work with Housing Plus, who will manage the facility and will identify the needs of the community.
Housing Plus is a progressive social enterprise, being a specialist service provider directly supporting individuals in the region who are experiencing homelessness and family violence.
"Housing Plus will engage with community groups to identify the needs of those most in need. It is the hope of the Diocese that the facility will evolve into a place that will provide a safe and secure environment for people who may find themselves in need of help for whatever reason," Bishop McKenna said.
Justin Cantelo, Housing Plus Acting CEO said often one of the most challenging factors in offering specialised social services is finding a building to deliver them from.
"The Diocese is offering a premises that is a blank canvas to be developed into a facility that will provide services for whatever is determined as the most urgent need," he said.
Early in the New Year, Housing Plus will connect with local community organisations and work towards developing options of how best the facility could be used in the Bathurst/Kelso area.
Mr Cantelo asked organisations interested in being involved in the planning stages to contact Housing Plus on 1800 603 300 or email: info@housingplus.com.au. The housing will be operational in February 2020.
