Cottages ease housing emergency

Backstop Foundation and local businesses are hoping to help rebuild the lives of women and children affected by domestic violence, constructing two cottages to house families in their transition from the Busselton Women’s Refuge.

Backstop Foundation’s directors became aware of a crisis in the supply of transitional housing in Busselton in 2014 and have since liaised with community organisations to provide two fully-furnished cottages to assist women and children in need.

A Backstop director said the aim of the cottages was to provide the women and children with a safe, secure, stable and supportive environment.

“Whilst in the cottages they will have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence necessary to live independently and establish a credit history which will enable them to obtain housing in the private rental market or in public housing,” the director said.

However, the director said children were often the forgotten victims of domestic violence and the foundation was also focused on providing them with the tools necessary to reach their full potential.

“Children who have been the victims of, or who have witnessed domestic violence, are considered to be very much at risk,” the director said.

“It is hoped that the women and children not only learn to manage independently, but also gain new insight into their own capabilities and potential during their period in the cottages.”

The director said the project received overwhelming community support and thanked Vasse MLA Libby Mettam, Zonta Dunsborough, Busselton Women’s Refuge, Busselton Rotary Club, The Mens Shed, Busselton Lions Club, St George’s Community Care, South West Refuge, Tuart House, Summit Homes, Insecurity and Retravision for their support.