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A sustainable approach to homelessness

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Homelessness is “an opportunity”, according to the manager of non-profit organisation Hunter Healing Gardens, Margaret Harrington.

“We see homelessness as an opportunity, not a big black hole; we see it as a sign that what we’re doing as a culture is not working,” she says.

In an effort to turn the tide against rising homelessness figures, particularly among young adult women in the Lower Hunter, the charity is working towards giving vulnerable girls a hand-up by providing transitory accommodation through its Housing Homeless Girls project.

It plans to do this by building a village of tiny houses on the 150 acres of land it leases on the Maitland-Singleton border.

Such a setup is known as an ecovillage, where communities live sustainably off the land; and they’re already popular in Europe and America.

“These are highly efficient dwellings that have reduce the impact on the environment and can help to address homelessness,” Margaret adds.

“Homelessness is a sign of unsustainable living. We are witnessing a generation at risk.”

At Hunter Healing Gardens, 100 acres will be reserved for environmental use, including the kitchen garden that has already been established.

Construction of the first tiny house is under way, and it is hoped it will be finished by the end of the year to accommodate the first four women.

The charity is working with Singleton Shire Council to ensure the village is compliant.

A crucial element of the project is linking women to work experience and vocational training options, firstly to help them gain relevant references and, subsequently, long-term employment.

Only then, when they are back on their feet with permanent income and better prospects of permanent housing, will they be encouraged to leave the village.

“They are usually very good kids, with a very good work ethic; they just need someone to give them a chance,” Margaret says.

Hunter Healing Gardens is seeking expressions of interest from Lower Hunter Businesses to host project participants from January next year.

All fields and industries will be considered, from real estate to hospitality.

Email [email protected] for more information.

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