Monday, 23rd January 2023
Local youth service Veritas House has unveiled their newly renovated two-bedroom flat, which will support young people in the Orange community who are transitioning from homelessness to living independently.
A refurbishment and revamp of the property has been completed over the past four months through a $60,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair Jennifer Leslie said extensive work has been done on the flat, which was set to become a much-needed resource for vulnerable young people in the region.
“The renovations included replacing windows, lighting and electrical upgrades, installing heating, repainting, and new furnishings,” said Jennifer.
“The result is a comfortable property that, for years to come, young people in the Orange region who are doing it tough can call home.”
Jennifer said that there was an ongoing need for the services provided by Veritas House, particularly as teenagers transition into adulthood.
“An average of 50 young people access crisis accommodation at the Veritas House youth refuge in Orange each year, many of whom are unable to return safely to their homes,” said Jennifer.
“For these young people, it can be difficult to secure a lease in the private rental market with no prior rental history and limited finances.
“The new property will be leased for six to nine months to young people transitioning into independence, with case workers providing support to obtain furniture, secure ongoing income, and learn budget and tenancy management skills.
“At the end of their lease, Veritas will provide a reference, and advocate and support the young people in securing long-term accommodation.”
Narelle Stocks, Acting CEO of Veritas House, said the new property was a project years in the making.
“Veritas House launched our fundraising appeal in December 2018 in response to a desperate shortage of affordable properties available to support vulnerable young people in the Orange region,” said Narelle.
“Despite rising property prices, as well as fires, floods and Covid impacting fundraising efforts during this time, strong community support helped raise more than $280,000 to enable the property purchase.
“Then with the $60,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, we have been able to turn the flat into somewhere the young people we work with can feel proud to call home.”