Providing accessible emergency accommodation
Beginning in 1996, with the vision to build a safe and thriving community for women and children to live free of violence. The Good Samaritan Inn was established and continues today to provide short-term emergency accommodation for women and children experiencing homelessness or escaping family violence. The organisation works to restore emotional strength and provide an effective service for each woman and child.
Located in a 1938 heritage listed building in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The refuge provides a supportive and safe temporary place to stay and is equipped with private bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry and kitchen, providing all the comforts of home, before guests move on to other accommodation or safely return home. The organisation aims to raise awareness of family violence and the importance of prevention and early intervention within the community.
Architecture & Access were pleased to be approached by Hayball Architects to assist with providing access consulting services on this housing project, co-ordinated by Architects Without Frontiers. Architects Without Frontiers is an organisation that provides disadvantaged communities with an opportunity to make a change by improving the built environment.
The Good Samaritan Inn project will see new building upgrades to a large part of the Inn. This includes upgrades to the bathroom facilities, with the inclusion of a toilet and shower that are accessible for guests and staff with a disability, and general upgrades of all existing sanitary facilities. The rooms within the emergency accommodation have been reconfigured to offer a more tailored approach for the guests and to improve accessibility for guests with a disability, including restricted mobility. The new addition of a lift to the rear of the building will allow access for all guests to the upper floor, including mothers with prams. A new fence will also be installed for improved security.
The new works to the emergency accommodation provided by the Good Samaritan Inn are underway and set to be completed later this year. Architecture & Access is proud to be involved and to contribute our expertise to this corporate social responsibility project.
If you require support service please contact 1800RESPECT – 1800 737732
