Vision

To provide a supportive, loving home for people with chronic mental illness.


Overview

HOME in Queanbeyan provides 24 hour care for people with chronic mental illness who are without appropriate shelter, care, love and support. We hope that what we are doing inspires others to do the same and is the beginning of a cultural shift in which communities lead the way in taking responsibility for citizens who are extremely vulnerable, isolated, and often homeless. Perhaps one day there will be similar HOMES in Canberra, Albury, Townsville, Sydney.


Objectives

The objectives of HOME in Queanbeyan are to:

Recognise the dignity of all people, by striving to restore a sense of self-worth and belonging to people with chronic mental illness who require support to live a productive life within the community;

Generate broad community awareness about the plight of the chronically mentally ill, and in doing so to procure the involvement and support of local people, churches, community agencies, business and government;

Deliver a purpose built, long term 'Home-in Queanbeyan', with 24 hour care and support;

Help those suffering from a mental illness and in need of supported accommodation to find and maintain a place they can call home: a place that is safe, secure and has broad based community support.

Provide emotional and practical support to the residents of HOME in Queanbeyan, so that they may develop a sense of belonging and are able to participate in meaningful activity and build new relationships and networks;

Provide a place of shelter where relief from such suffering and distress can be sought;

Work in tandem with other existing and new programs to provide counselling, personal helpers and mentors, support workers and employment and training assistance and support; and

Do all such things as may be incidental to the attainment of the above Objectives.


What We Are
  • We recognise the inherent dignity of all people. In doing so, we strive to build a sense of self-worth and belonging to people with chronic mental illness, encouraging and supporting them to live productive and meaningful lives within their community.

  • We are inspired by people in our community who are in need or sick.

  • We are creating community: a place of friendship for residents, staff, and visitors.

  • We seek to humbly and lovingly walk alongside each other, recognising that our dignity and our freedom are caught-up in the dignity and freedom of those we serve and love.

  • We are inspired by Jesus’ love and respect for the marginalised: a love that pays no regard to religious/political/social affiliation.


What We Do
  • Provide emotional and practical support to the residents of HOME so that they might develop a sense of belonging; are able to participate in meaningful activities; become valued members of the community; and are encouraged to build new relationships and networks.

  • Deliver a purpose built, long term 'Home-in Queanbeyan', with 24 hour pastoral care and support.

  • Generate broad community awareness about the plight of people with mental illness and, in doing so, encourage the involvement and support of local people, churches, community agencies, business and government.

  • Help those suffering from a mental illness and in need of supported accommodation to enjoy and maintain a place they can call home: a place, too, to feel secure, and surrounded by community care.

  • Provide a place of shelter where relief from suffering and distress can be sought.

  • Work in tandem with other existing and new programs to provide counselling, personal helpers and mentors, support workers and employment and training assistance and advocacy.

  • Do all such things as may be incidental to the attainment of the above objectives.


Planning Concept

Location
The local Anglican Church has generously backed a move for HOME to be built on a parcel of land it owns in central Queanbeyan.

Please Download a Copy of the Media Release...


Facility
Domestic style accommodation, providing 20 appropriately designed one bedroom units with en-suite - catering for 15 long term residents and 5 respite care residents. It is not intended that this be a secure facility, rather one in which residents would be free to come and go as they please. It will be their "Home" and will have the appearance of a domestic residential facility - not institutional! Ancillary facilities would include a commercial kitchen, communal dining and recreation areas, spaces for 24 hour accommodation of medical staff / carers, one or two consulting rooms and pleasant outdoor spaces and courtyards.


Staffing
Staff required will include a manager, support workers and a team of community volunteers.


Funding
Home in Queanbeyan Inc will be seeking funding and in kind support from the corporate, community and government sectors. Capital Costs - $3.3 million Recurrent Costs to HOME $300,000 - $400,000 p/a


Time Frame
We are striving to have HOME up and running by the middle of 2010.