The Blue House Project: Homeless charity facing eviction

FOR many homeless people, this charity has offered shelter from the storm of life. Now, the battling Blue House is facing an eviction of its own.

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FOR people in Sydney’s west, the Blue House in Ross St, Parramatta, may be just a building with an interesting paint job. But for many of the areas homeless and at risk youth it’s a place of invaluable support, shelter and community.

Founded in 2014 by Simon Robinson, the Blue House began as somewhere for the homeless to store their belongings and wash their clothes.

It’s now a home for six youths as well as a place for individuals to come for advice, assistance and to learn the necessary skills to turn their lives around.

Homeless youth work in a number of The Blue House Project’s social enterprises including a bookshop, cafe and car wash. And while Simon had hoped they would be generating sufficient revenue to ensure they weren’t reliant on donations or government funding, increased financial constraints meant it’s taken longer than expected to reach that goal.

They are now behind on rent and need to raise $7000 immediately or face eviction. But shutting down the project is not something Simon is willing to accept.

“The turn around in these youth is truly inspiring to me and to see this opportunity closed due to lack of funds is something I just can’t let happen,” he said.

If the charity can raise the $7000, Simon believes it will reach its financial goals within a matter of weeks.

“Our social enterprises will probably see us cash flow positive in less than four weeks, weather dependant,” he said.

After hearing its plight the community has rallied together.

One woman ran an impromptu fundraiser on the weekend that saw the car wash full for 10 hours straight.

“It was such a beautiful feeling to see these youth work under pressure, vent a little frustration and see the rewards of their efforts,” Simon said. The charity raised $700 but still has a long way to go to insure it can continue to provide services.

“We have a gang leader who ran a group of 30 plus individuals in the Parramatta area who has now turned his back on the gang to get his life on track,” said Simon.

“This has had a flow on effect with more members of the gang now coming to The Blue House voluntarily to get involved despite the threat of physical violence towards them.”

It’s experiences like this that give Simon faith the project will continue.

“12 Ross Street, Parramatta is just the beginning,” he said. “Through the development of social enterprises we will be able to replicate or expand businesses into neighbouring areas. The future is bright and we [will] never lose hope.”

If you’d like to help The Blue House stay open, you can donate via phone at [phone] or head to their coffee shop, bookstore or car wash at 12 Ross St, Parramatta.

For more details head to the Blue House Project Facebook page

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