A new facility designed to provide safe housing and support for young parents and their babies who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, has opened in Perth. Source: St John of God Health Care.
Horizon House West Leederville was officially opened on Wednesday.
The $5.6 million investment features six fully furnished one-bedroom apartments, a shared kitchen, and landscaped gardens. It was made possible thanks to generous supporters along with a Lotterywest grant of almost $800,000.
More than a home, Horizon House provides wrap-around services that help young parents aged 16 – 22 to continue their education, develop life skills, access employment, and remain socially connected.
St John of God Social Outreach chief executive officer Susan Cantwell said the West Leederville home was the 13th Horizon House established across Western Australia and Victoria and was an important expression of the organisation’s Mission.
“Pregnancy and early parenting are pivotal times in life, and without the right support, they can also be very vulnerable times. St John of God Horizon House West Leederville will give young parents not only a safe place to live, but also the skills, connections and confidence to build a brighter future for themselves and their children,” Ms Cantwell said.
“Importantly, residents will continue to receive support for up to two years after leaving, helping them establish lasting independence,” she said.
St John of God Health Care Group chief executive Bryan Pyne said the Horizon House program, first launched in 2003, reflected the organisation’s commitment to respond to unmet community needs.
“For more than 20 years, St John of God Horizon House has been helping young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness.
“This new home extends that support to more young parents; breaking cycles of disadvantage and giving the next generation the best possible start in life,” Mr Pyne said.
FULL STORY
New Horizon House West Leederville opens to support young parents and their babies (St John of God Health Care)
CAPTION
From left: Sr Una O’Loughlin representing the Sisters of St John of God, St John of God Health Care Board Chair the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, St John of God Health Care, Group CEO Bryan Pyne, Honourable Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government, Disability Services; Volunteering; Youth; Gascoyne, St John of God Health Care Trustees Chair the Honourable Neville Owen AO, Former Horizon House resident and guest speaker, Sophie Lawson, St John of God Social Outreach CEO, Susan Cantwell, Presiding celebrant, Reverend Heri Leba CSsR.
