A lifeline has been thrown out to nine residents who called mental health housing community Merriwa Grove home with suitable housing made available in Yarrawonga.
Nine of the 19 residents were already being provided support co-ordination by Albury based Social Plus Support Work, with the disability support network stepping forward to find suitable housing for the men after the announcement of the closure of their current accommodation.
Some of the residents and their families were able to tour through the first of the houses available at Peter Thompson Circuit, Yarrawonga last Thursday with all happy with the four bedrooms for three residents and a support worker, two bathrooms, a butlers pantry and outdoor space.
Social Plus Support Work Chief Executive Michael Thompson said the way the whole situation was dealt with was merciless however he is pleased that Social Plus has been able to ensure a roof over the head of some of the men.
“These residences are classed as SIL (supported independent living) with three men living in each home as well as one rostered support worker each night,” Mr Thompson said.
“Social Plus Support Work will provide appropriate support with independent support workers also to work with these men.
“All houses have four beds and two bathrooms providing enough space. We have also ensured the nine men will be situated in houses near each other.
“It is fantastic to see these houses becoming available and the men having somewhere to live. We are just grateful that we have been able to support.
“It’s a relief to know we can support the guys and to bring relief to the families as they have had a hugely stressful few months.”
The nine men moving into these homes are from the local area with three able to move into the first residence last Friday, another three to move into their residence today and the last of the nine to move into their new home next week.
“We have made sure that all of the men will be in their new residences before the Merriwa Grove closure date of July 31,” Mr Thompson said.
“Our intention was to take over the current site and add a few new aspects to it, but that outcome was not favourable however a result has come to fruition which we are very happy about.
“To find these houses we reached out to local real estates as we already have a relatively good name in town and they were able to assist us with investment properties they knew were available.
“Although the property is owned by investors we have entered into a long term lease which is a relief to us and the families of the residents.
“The whole situation with the closure didn’t have to be dealt with the way that it was but to our knowledge all of the 19 men have a roof over their head.
“Some of the further 10 men have moved into SRS (supported residential services) housing in Bendigo, some have moved into aged care in Shepparton and the remaining have moved closer to their families.
“Lastly we would like to give Tim McCurdy a massive thank you for his hard work. It was nice to know that Tim from a state level and Sam Birrell from a federal level are there to back members of the community, especially those that are the most vulnerable.”
Senior Team Leader Aiden Coleiro said as a support worker, it is great to see a suitable housing situation being found for the men, especially one that they all like also.
“This house is amazing, I’d even love to live here,” Mr Coleiro said.
“We couldn’t be happier with the homes. They tick all the boxes considering they are not purpose built for people with a disability.
“A few of the residents and their families have walked through the homes and we’ve just had positive feedback so far which is great.
“All three of the homes will be better when the men add their belongings but we are very pleased with how things have turned out.”
Mother of one of the previous Merriwa Grove residents and Cobram local Judy Burke has been scathing and at a loss since the closure was announced but is now elated that suitable housing has been found close to home for her son and fellow residents.
“I’m thrilled about this outcome and the housing. Two months ago we were in despair trying to find something that suited my son Kris, but this house is perfect,” Ms Burke said.
“We are looking at a very positive future now and Kris is happy with this place as well.
“This gives all the families piece of mind which is invaluable. It’s the best we have been in the past few months knowing that Kris now has somewhere suitable to live that is not too far from home.
“Although they will not all be living together anymore, the nine men won’t be too far from each other and will still be a little community. We are all a close family unit so for that to be able to remain is also great.
“Social Plus have been a god send, we can’t thank them enough for all of the work they have done, for the fact that they have found this housing and in such a short space of time.
“We are still questioning what is going to happen to the Merriwa Grove building as everything has been hush hush on what is going to happen to the site and no one will fill us in but we will see in due course.
“I‘m confident everything will now work out with Social Plus finding this housing and providing the best support suitable to our family members.”