Protea Place launched appeal to cover rent long term

Protea Place opened its doors two years ago and since then homeless women have had a safe place to access services, have a shower and do some laundry. Now it needs your help so it can continue its work.

Protea Place CEO Amanda Dalton is calling on 1500 people to commit to donating $5 a week to support homeless women in Toowoomba.

For the past two years staff and volunteers at Protea Place have been helping homeless women get their lives back on track.

Women in need can go to the Russell Street centre, have a shower, do some laundry, connect with government services, use the internet and access counselling.

Importantly, they have a shoulder to lean on.

On Thursday the centre held a celebration recognising the foundation sponsors who chipped in to pay the rent.

It included representatives from Newlands Group, the FFG Group and NRG Group.

Newlands Director Barry O’Sullivan said the money was well spent because everyone has a mother, daughter, sister or aunt who may fall on hard times in the future.

“Because the money goes straight to the front line and it is not tied up in administration costs, it really makes a big impact,” he said.

“Newlands runs at about 11.5 per cent woman participation and my wife Emily is a big advocate for women’s health and support.

“Her passion combined with being in a male dominated industry, it sends a really strong message to our staff.”

While Newlands and NRG have committed to covering part of the centre’s rent, the organisers need more help as the operation is entirely supported through donations from the public.

In the past two years demand for the service has increased by more than 20 per cent.

CEO Amanda Dalton has launched an appeal calling on 1500 people to pledge $5 a week.

“Without government funding, that is the only way we can secure our future, it is the cost of a cup of coffee.”

To become supporter the centre visit proteaplace.org.au

“Without government funding, that is the only way we can secure our future, it is the cost a cup of a coffee.”

To support the centre visit proteaplace.org.au

Originally published as Protea Place launched appeal to cover rent long term