MP calls for State funding of Sheraton House
Speaking in the NSW Parliament, Member for Ballina Don Page has called on the NSW Labor Government to provide much-needed funding for a homeless men’s shelter in Ballina.
Sheraton House is the only service on the North Coast catering for single, homeless men.
“Sheraton House has been running for the past six years and has been funded entirely by donations. If the service is to continue it must receive State Government funding,” Mr Page said.
Sheraton House is open 365 days a year and provides an average of 2500 bed nights a year for between 200 and 300 clients. The facility provides around 10,000 meals each year and employs seven staff.
“The staff at Sheraton House do an amazing job with few resources,” Mr Page said.
“They do a wonderful job working with their clients who have problems with mental illness, alcohol and/or drug abuse, gambling addictions and intellectual disabilities.
“It costs approximately $220,000 to operate Sheraton House each year.
“There is $9.5million available for the North Coast as part of the 10 Regional Homelessness Action Plans for New South Wales.
“Sheraton House is the only service catering specifically for single, homeless men. They were hoping to receive some funding as part of the 10 Regional Homelessness Action Plans, but it has not be forthcoming.”
Mr Page said single men are the most discriminated against group, making up 54 per cent of clients in the North Coast area.
Sheraton House had requested assistance from the New South Wales Labor Government on several occasions, but requests have been denied. The response from the Minister for Community Service states:
Departmental regional staff continue to work closely with organisations to ensure services are provided to respond to the issue of homelessness in Ballina and that the required accommodation and support options are available.
“This is code for doing nothing, and it is not acceptable. I call on the New South Wales Labor Government to do the right thing and provide funding for Sheraton House,” Mr Page said.
