Angels Community Group will be able to provide a hot shower and laundry services to those in need once their new support centre is up and running in the next few months.
The building on Targo Street, has been a massive project for the not-for-profit organisation but one the team is very excited to get underway.
Angels Community Group executive officer Sue Tasker said the new hub would provide a range of free services.
“We are going to have a dedicated support centre where we can provide emergency hampers, a sit down area so people can have a cup of coffee and some food, as well as a shower and laundry,” she said.
“At the moment we know there are a lot of people living in their cars and tents with the rental situation who will appreciate these facilities.
“Having a warm shower is a basic human need and being able to provide a place where people can clean up and feel safe is something I have always wanted to be part of.”
Angels Community Group was formed in 2015 when founding members Kerri Savidge and Sue Tasker realised the power that comes from giving people a purpose.
The passionate team is dedicated to giving back to the community through their range of social enterprises, support services and charitable projects.
The group provides hampers, schools supplies, Christmas gifts, food, haircuts, training programs and much more.
Sue said the new Angels support centre, that would transform into their services hub, was currently being renovated and hoped it would be ready for opening within the next few months.
“The construction side of things should be finished soon and then we will get in there and start painting, building a disability ramp and more,” she said.
“It's been a long process but we just go for it and it seems to work out somehow, it's exciting.”
She said the decision to move to a bigger location meant bigger overheads for the not-for-profit group, but that was something she was willing to sort through.
“Where we are located now, we just don't have the ability to have a designated support centre and the services that we can offer is very limited which is why we needed to expand,” Sue said.
“It is very scary for us because it is a big investment and we are increasing our rent by a lot but I think it is very important to provide these types of spaces in the community.”
Sue said the support centre would be combined with the mini mart that was currently located at Walla Street.
The second-hand store will remain in the area and double in size once the mini mart moves.
Locals offer support for new Angels support centre
Local groups have been showing their support for Angels and their big move by providing donations to the organisation to help with their upcoming plans.
Sons Of The Southern Cross SMC Widebay Chapter Inc recently handed over a cheque of $1500 to the volunteers.
“This was such a pleasant surprise, we have a lot of expenses at the moment with our move fast approaching,” Sue said.
“We appreciate it so much and it’s going to make a big difference.”
To find out more about the Angels Community Group, the new Angels support centre and the many services they provide click here.
My name is Janelle Beckmann I would like to help out with charity work Thursday and Friday Mornings from 9am to 12pm