December 2010
Adelaide’s oldest charity has invested $2 million this year in new housing for disadvantaged local families and individuals, including new arrivals from overseas.
The Adelaide Benevolent Society (ABS) has undertaken a heavy building program this year which has included the construction of nine, three-bedroom houses in metropolitan Adelaide.
Work is also underway on the construction on 10, one-bedroom units which will be ready for occupants in December 2010, Society Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Lardner said.
“We’ve begun building units in Hampstead Gardens and have also developed a site plan for the development of 17 homes at Noarlunga Downs,” Mr Lardner said.
“In addition, the Society has purchased a 5000 square metre property at Salisbury Downs for more future housing.
“This is part of our mandate to help people on low incomes to secure low-rent housing and work towards economic security.”
While new housing is a focus for the Society, it also provides emergency financial assistance. During the year the Society helped many hundreds of disadvantaged families and individuals by providing 917 people with food vouchers and 296 with emergency, short term financial assistance.
Society President Robin Matters said that during the year the Society also completed its new Strategic Plan which sets its direction for the next five years.
He said the Society’s work was not only vital for disadvantaged South Australians, but also supported the goals of the State Government’s Strategic Plan to reduce the number of ‘rough sleepers’ in SA and to increase affordable rental opportunities.
“We don’t provide welfare or ongoing handouts to people long term,” Mr Matters said.
“Some people find themselves in situations of financial hardship and our support is transitional but vital. We provide low-cost rental options for people over the short term, assisting them to move toward financial security.
“Nothing would please us more than to have one of our tenants ultimately purchase the home they entered with nothing - then we know we have been successful in making a difference to their long term security.”
About the Adelaide Benevolent Society
The Adelaide Benevolent Society (ABS) is South Australia’s oldest charity and commenced operations in 1849.
Throughout its history, the Adelaide Benevolent Society has provided assistance to those most in need and its work is as relevant today as when it was established. The Society has been providing low cost rental accommodation since 1860 and now provides more than 100 houses and units to a wide variety of tenants.
Further information: ABS Chief Executive, Jonathan Lardner, on (08) 8231 5321 or 0407 613 066
Issued by Hughes Public Relations: Michelle Prak on (08) 8412 4100 or michelle@hughespr.com.au
