Liberal Government aids bed boost for women’s crisis accommodation service Catherine House

The Liberal Government is helping Catherine House expand their crisis bed accommodation available to women experiencing homelessness.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink has officially handed over the management of the two-bedroom cottage to the service, resulting in an additional two crisis beds to the system.

Catherine House can now offer accommodation to 54 women, up from 52, each night who might otherwise be homeless, or remain trapped in a domestic or family violence situation. Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the Liberal Government was committed to combatting the scourge of domestic and family violence.

“The safety of all South Australians is paramount,” said Minister Lensink.

“This additional property means that Catherine House can accommodate an additional two women every night and enables more women to be supported at a time when they need it most."

Minister Lensink said organisations like Catherine House provide invaluable support to the community.

“Catherine House is a safe space where women can start their recovery journey and access assistance to help them plan for the future,” said Minister Lensink.

“Often during domestic and family violence situations, it is unsafe for a woman to remain in their own homes."

“In these cases, crisis accommodation is a vital service that provides critical short-term housing for women and children who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness.”

Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Carolyn Power said additional crisis beds were a critical accommodation option for women fleeing domestic violence.

“It is critical services are available for vulnerable women who are experiencing homelessness and that is why the Liberal Government committed to opening an additional 40 crisis accommodation beds, with the first set to be open in the coming months,” said Ms Power.

“Our 40 crisis bed initiative forms part of a wider $11.9 million Liberal Government commitment on a suite of measures to support women and children at risk in South Australia."

“During the domestic violence roundtables I attended with Minister Lensink across the state, the strong message was the need for crisis accommodation that provides links to a network
of support services and that’s what these additional crisis beds aim to do.”

Catherine House operates at several undisclosed locations in Adelaide CBD and offers services for women aged over 18 unaccompanied by children. Services include safe accommodation and assistance to help them rebuild their lives and plan for the future.

Catherine House CEO Louise Miller Frost said the two-bedroom cottage was invaluable for women who need help.

“We are constantly full and managing a waiting list of women in crisis looking for shelter and safety,” said Ms Miller Frost.

“An extra two beds means an extra 730 nights of safety for women experiencing homelessness, every year.”