Homebuilders finds a home with support from DWC

Homebuilders finds a home with DWC support

Homebuilders West Coast Trust has settled into a new home after its former building was flooded in July last year.

Homebuilders received a loan from Development West Coast (DWC) to purchase 69 Russell Street.

“The impact of the DWC loan for Homebuilders is life changing,” said Homebuilders chief executive Lorraine Scanlon.

“It has provided security for the organisation to continue to offer services in the communities we work in.”

The house is big enough for the organisation’s 17 staff, is close to the main street, and is accessible to clients.

Homebuilders former premises in Mill Street have been inundated three times since 2004.

Mrs Scanlon said the building suffered extensive damage last July.

Since then Homebuilders has operated from various sites, including the Community Hub, and with team members working from home.

“After the flood we were somewhat stranded...” Mrs Scanlon said. “The board of trustees searched far and wide and found a building that could be made suitable for our needs.”

Homebuilders is a non-government organisation.

“We receive funding via our contracts with ministries of government and as we are not fully funded, we are constantly raising funds to maintain our operations,” Mrs Scanlon said.

The organisation was founded 30 years ago. It works to strengthen the wellbeing of children, families and community, and offers a variety of services across the West Coast.

Photos: Jules Anderson Photography