Covid pressure takes toll on Protea Place

For two years Protea Place has provided a safe space for homeless women to shower, wash their clothes and access social services, but this vital outreach hub will close midyear if it does not get access to funding. But you can save it for as little as $5 a week.

Protea Place co-ordinator Susy Wenitong (lleft) and founder Amanda Dalton talk about the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on demand for the service, Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

THE Garden City’s only dedicated homeless women’s support service only has enough money in the bank to keep its doors open for the next six months.

Protea Place has cut its services and reduced its staff numbers, but founder Amanda Dalton said reliable long-term donations were needed for the service to survive.

“Our pledge partners program is just limping along,” she said.

To stay afloat, Protea Place needs 1500 people to commit to donating $5 a week.

“We have only got 100 people to sign up,” Ms Dalton said.

The leadership group met with every government organisation possible to secure state or federal assistance but has been told the coffers are dry.

Meanwhile, Covid restrictions on large gatherings hampered their fundraising efforts.

Ms Dalton said demand for the service had increased in the face of heightened finanical pressure.

“Homelessness and disadvantage does not stop for Covid,” she said.

“We are seeing a lot of women staying in garages or with friends, and there is overcrowding which is putting their tenancy at risk.

“The bottom line is that there is no housing, and there is a really big increase in people with high mental health support needs.”

To support Protea Place, phone [phone] or visit: www.proteaplace.org.au