Hope House funding crisis

Manager Shirley Diskon said that without urgent financial assistance, Hope House would not last another two months.

“We had a lot of donors when we first opened, but that has dried up,” she said.

“Rates to pay supervisors have increased, and we have had to employ a full-time manager.

“There cost of drug testing and supervision has increased but tenancy has not increased.”

Much of the money for running the facility came from rent paid by tenants.

She is urging state and federal governments to provide funding or the facility, which has never received such funding, will close.

“I have emailed the Prime Minister, the Premier, the Deputy Premier, Ann Sudmalis, Mike Kelly, Andrew Constance, Pauline Hanson, Nick Xenophon and Derryn Hinch,” she said.

Tenant Steve Taylor is hoping the facility stays open.

“It has been a lifesaver for me, and keeping it open is of the utmost importance,” he said.

“There are not enough homeless support places.”

“Since 2009, Hope House has supported 213 men with reintegration into society and ensured they were adequately assisted and received the help they desperately needed,” Mrs Diskon said.

“Hope House runs daily programs to assist the residents who may be struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction, anger management, and stopping the cycle of domestic abuse. “Alongside this there is a strong focus on life skills to assist with employment opportunities and reintegration into society.

“Hope House is an integral part of the community as it is the only one of its kind in Eurobodalla Shire.

“Because of this there is a strong relationship with many community services and we receive referrals from numerous sources.

“The men that reside at Hope House are at their most vulnerable, and with the future of Hope House uncertain, we may not able to provide the foundation they need to rebuild their life.”