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Friday, 8 February, 2019
Veritas House (Veritas) is a community-based not-for-profit organisation established more than 35 years ago in Bathurst and Orange, to provide accommodation and support services for the region’s vulnerable children, young people, and their families.
Each year Veritas provides support to more than 150 young people aged 16-24 experiencing homelessness in the Bathurst community. Approximately 70% of these are escaping a negative home environment, which often involves an abusive, violent or broken home.
Many of the young people have limited finances and no prior rental history which makes renting difficult, and perpetuates the cycle of homelessness. Recognising this issue Veritas commenced a Transitional Youth Housing Program, which features a one-bedroom youth unit.
Narelle Stocks, Business Development Manager, of Veritas said, “A recent grant of $50,000 from the Charitable Foundation has enabled Veritas House to commence refurbishing the unit extensively. When the work is finished, the unit will practically be brand new.”
The grant will help us renovate the unit to install a new kitchen and bathroom/laundry as well as general paint and floor coverings. We are particularly thrilled with the grant as it is the largest grant we have ever received (outside of government funding).”
The unit plays a pivotal part for youth in ensuring the cycle of homelessness is broken. Veritas rents the unit (below market rate) to young people, helping them to get back on their feet. During a six month period and without the significant financial burden of market rate rent, the tenant is able to learn about managing their finances and pride in their home management skills, all while developing a rental history.
At the end of the lease, Veritas House provides a rental reference for the young person and provides advocacy and support to secure long-term rental accommodation in the highly competitive private rental market.
The refurbishment is expected to be completed in the first half of 2019.
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