Croydon’s Elishacare finally gains access to empty MFB building

A CROYDON charity has won a two-year battle to use an empty next-door building to expand its services saving the lives of drug and alcohol addicts.

Croydon charity Elishacare has won a two-year battle to get access to an empty building next to their home at the old Croydon Fire Station. It will let them expand and bring more people in off the streets. Picture: Josie Hayden

A MAROONDAH charity has won a two-year battle to use an empty next-door building to expand its services saving the lives of drug and alcohol addicts.

But the long-term future of Croydon’s Elishacare remains uncertain with their base at the old Croydon Fire Station likely to be sold next year.

The MFB, which owns the Croydon Rd site, has agreed to let the charity use the next-door building so it can expand its services.

Maroondah Leader highlighted Elishacare’s plight in June.

MORE NEWS

HOMELESS CHARITY ELISHACARE NEEDS VACANT MFB BUILDING TO EXPAND

CATCH OPTIMUS PRIME, BATMAN AND WONDER WOMAN AT FATHER’S DAY FESTIVAL ON CROYDON MAIN STREET

CROYDON’S ELISHACARE HELPING ADDICTS BECOME SOBER

Founder Geoff Marsh said the charity reached a deal following ongoing discussions with the MFB and Emergency Services Minister James Merlino’s office.

He said the breakthrough was “massive” and it would allow the charity to house up to eight more people.

“As soon as we found out, everyone was ecstatic,” he said.

“We are in desperate need of more housing because we have two houses full and guys presenting all the time.

“We really appreciate the authorities letting us in there.”

Croydon charity Elishacare has won a two-year battle to get access to an empty building next to their home at the old Croydon Fire Station. It will let them expand and bring more people in off the streets. Front: Barry Ryder (Director), Geoff Marsh (Pastor) and Brooke Sharp (Director). Picture: Josie Hayden

The MFB plans to sell the site and tried to push through an early sale in late 2017 before Mr Merlino intervened.

MFB spokeswoman Belle Nolan said the organisation would start the sale process for the site in early 2019.

She confirmed the MFB had granted “additional access” to Elishacare for the empty building but did not say when it would get the keys.

Mr Marsh said Elishacare hoped the MFB would prolong the sale of the site if the new arrangement proves to be successful.

Mr Merlino’s spokeswoman Stephanie Jones said Elishacare had a rolling month-to-month lease and would remain at the Croydon Rd site and use both buildings until it was sold.

“All parties involved have worked together tirelessly to secure this great outcome,” she said.

MORE NEWS

POLICE HUNT GANG OF THUGS AFTER VICIOUS ASSAULT IN MOOROOLBARK

YARRA VALLEY RESIDENTS OVERCHARGED ON RATE NOTICES AFTER VALUER-GENERAL ERROR

RUN-DOWN YARRA RANGES SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL STATE ELECTION PLEDGE