Grant to help boost security at Coast Shelter’s Tiny Homes

Coast Shelter's Tiny Homes project

Coast Shelter is set to receive $4,000 from Central Coast Council for upgrades to its Tiny Homes.

The money, from Council’s Community Grants Program, will be used to help with the installation of security in the Tiny Homes, including the addition of CCTV and a restricted master key system.

Coast Shelter CEO, Michael Starr, said the investment will go a long way to help improve security measures at the transitional housing site.

“The aim of transitional housing is to be safe and secure so vulnerable young people can look forward to a brighter future,” he said.

“We are confident these extra safety measures will help our clients – who are people who have likely experienced trauma- to feel more secure in their homes for the duration of their tenancy.

“Our project aims to address the One Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-28 – by working together to solve a range of social and health issues that may impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people, through safe housing for young people at the Tiny Homes precinct in Gosford.

“People transitioning to our Tiny Homes have previously lived in Coast Shelter’s specialist crisis housing for between one and three months with access to a range of personal supports.

“Our specialist youth services team continues to work closely with young people to tailor a range of personalised supports to help them build resilience, gain life skills, secure a job, access training and find and keep their own safe place to live.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the Community Support Grants Program supports local community organisations to continue to deliver important services that benefit and support the local community.

“It is great to see Central Coast Emergency Accommodation Services Limited (Coast Shelter) receive necessary financial and in-kind support needed to deliver a safe environment for local community members to find refuge in a time of need,” Hart said.

“Council’s Community Support Grants applications are open year-round, with allocated funding under this grant program for the 2021/22 financial year still available.

“We encourage the local community applying for Community Grants to take part in one of our upcoming grant writing workshops or drop-in sessions, in order to strengthen their application and enhance their chances of success.”

Terry Collins