The domestic violence and homelessness support agency SAHSSI is determined to help more women and children flee abuse throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

They have plans to build an innovative new women’s refuge using the ‘Core and Cluster’ model. This design provides private, self-contained units (cluster) around a central support facility (core), offering both security and community for vulnerable women.

Core and Cluster offers greater privacy and independence for women while still providing access to communal support services, reducing the sense of institutionalisation found in older models. This approach allows women to maintain a sense of normalcy and dignity, which is crucial for their recovery and empowerment.

SAHSSI currently has five refuges from Helensburgh to Ulladulla, but with over 160 women on their waitlist, the need for additional capacity is urgent.

The organisation has applied for government funding, but other projects are in the queue ahead of them, making community support crucial. SAHSSI is seeking partners, corporate sponsors and community members to help make this project a reality.

Visit the SAHSSI website.