Salvation Army Homelessness Services to Continue in the Illawarra Region

The Salvation Army would like to reassure residents of the Illawarra region that while the way the delivery of services may change, The Salvation Army will continue to provide services to the most vulnerable in the community.

The Salvation Army’s Divisional Director for Social Programs, Captain Robyn Black, responded to suggestions that Carinya Cottage is closing down.

“I would like to reassure the community that The Salvation Army is not leaving the Illawarra,” Captain Black said. “The Salvation Army continues to invest in many services that bring hope and healing to people, such as the First Floor Program, the Illawarra Community Welfare Centre, and Carinya Cottage. All of these services utilise Red Shield Appeal funds which are raised in the Illawarra.”

Carinya Cottage will continue, however, The Salvation Army has experienced a partial loss of funding, leading to the development of new strategies in the way Homeless services are delivered in the Illawarra.

The proposal for Carinya Cottage will move the service from a model of 24/7 staffed crisis accommodation for women and children, and toward transitional accommodation for women and children. These families will be assisted to find stable long term housing, and supported to sustain this housing post-crisis.

This new service model at Carinya Cottage will be completely funded through donations by the public to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. The Salvation Army welcomes the people of the Illawarra to join us as we strive to support vulnerable families to thrive in our community.