By Ben McEachenMonday 15 Jul 2024Hope MorningsSocial JusticeReading Time: 3 minutes
Warning: The following article contains mentions of domestic violence. If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. If you have been impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
When we hear about domestic and family violence, our hearts ache and we long for significant change.
Key Points
- Habitat for Humanity recently launched SHARP – Subsidised Housing and Affordable Rental Program.
- Habitat for Humanity partnered with DV West (formerly known as West Connect Domestic Violence Service) in 2021.
- Taking several years to construct, the shelter in Western Sydney opened several months ago.
- Listen to the full interview with Brian Tasker in the player above.
We also want care, support and protection to be readily accessible to survivors.
A not-for-profit dedicated to housing, Habitat for Humanity Australia helps to build such sanctuaries for healing and hope.
“We assist survivors by providing domestic violence shelters,” said Brian Tasker, Habitat for Humanity’s Head of Australian Programs.
“We access government grants to build new refuge facilities.
“We renovate shelters through our ‘Brush with Kindness’ program.”
Habitat for Humanity recently launched SHARP – Subsidised Housing and Affordable Rental Program.
Habitat for Humanity recently launched SHARP – Subsidised Housing and Affordable Rental Program.
SHARP provides survivors of domestic violence with affordable housing options following their stay at a refuge or shelter.
“That helps them to get on with their new life, hopefully free of violence and full of community and kind support.”
Seeing a need to help Indigenous women and children in Western Sydney, Habitat for Humanity partnered with DV West (formerly known as West Connect Domestic Violence Service) in 2021.
Habitat for Humanity recently launched SHARP – Subsidised Housing and Affordable Rental Program. Images supplied by Habit for Humanity and used with permission.
DV West has a 40-year history of providing support and accommodation to women and children.
Taking several years to construct, the shelter in Western Sydney opened several months ago.
Proud of this facility of safety, Brian told Hope Mornings that Habitat for Humanity’s involvement in such a project had a powerful, primal motivation.
Habitat for Humanity partnered with DV West in 2021.
“Domestic violence affects all of us in one way, shape or form,” Brian said.
“At one stage of our lives, we all had a mother.
“In my view and Habitat for Humanity Australia’s view, they are vulnerable people – but people who should be respected.
“It is completely unacceptable that they are subject to this violence.”
Brian said Habitat for Humanity Australia perceived that more could be done to safely house women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
Taking several years to construct, the shelter in Western Sydney opened several months ago.
Recognising this group as most in need of housing options, Brian acknowledged that many in Australia struggle with living challenges.
Such domestic stress fuels the constructive charity offered by Habitat for Humanity.
“We believe that everybody has a right to safe, secure shelter, through which we empower,” Brian said.
“A stronger economy and community is when people feel safe and secure.”
Listen to the full interview with Brian Tasker in the player above.
If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. If you have been impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Article supplied with thanks to Ben McEachen. Ben is Hope 103.2’s Mornings host. Ben was a full-time movie reviewer for more than a decade, including for Open House, The Big Picture, The Advertiser and Empire. Before Hope, he was deputy editor of Eternity News.
All images supplied by Habitat for Humanity and used with permission.