After an $11.7-million refurbishment, the Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge in Surry Hills has once again opened to provide emergency accommodation to the public.
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Featuring larger, more secure bedrooms and a new retail space and cafe, the extensive refurbishment was done to support a new model of care in the suburb and to offer more opportunities for training and employment.
The centre is now better equipped with improved counselling spaces and increased access to wrap-around community support services.
Wesley Mission, the non-profit organisation that manages Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge, believes the new model of care would focus on the long-term impact and positive change the lodge can have in people’s lives.
The organisation highlighted that these upgrades are intended to make the accommodation centre “gain a great understanding of each person’s needs.”
Designed by Scott Carver, the small basic rooms were replaced with rooms containing ensuite bathrooms, more personal storage and natural light. Every floor also features a communal kitchenette, laundry, and living spaces.
Wesley Mission CEO and Superintendent, Rev Stu Cameron, says that the nearly 300 people sleeping rough on Sydney’s inner-city streets every night were at the heart of this innovative project.
“Entrenched homelessness is complex and can involve a combination of mental illness, domestic violence, family breakdown, financial difficulties and the cumulative impact of multiple traumatic events,” Rev Cameron said.
“A person can’t just walk out of homelessness on their own. That’s where Wesley Mission is ready to come alongside,” he said.
Supporting the upgrades, the City of Sydney has provided $1 million to Wesley Mission through the Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund.
Located on Bourke Street, the centre has provided crisis accommodation to countless vulnerable women and men since 1979 and has been at the forefront of the evolution of care for people experiencing homelessness for more than 40 years. It was one of the first services to provide private rooms.