In seeking to fulfill its mission to bring dignity and hope to people in need, Wesley Mission is planning to upgrade its key crisis accommodation service in Surry Hills.
A development application has been lodged with Sydney City Council for a refurbishment of Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge. The upgrade will put people’s needs at the forefront to deliver individualised care for some of the city’s most vulnerable adults.
Wesley Mission CEO, the Rev Keith V Garner AM said it was an achievement to have operated this service in the heart of the city for more than 40 years.
“Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge was one of the first services to provide private rooms in the same building for women and men experiencing homelessness and this upgrade, which includes individual en suite rooms (two of which are designed to accessible standards), continues this evolution of care.
“We are delighted to demonstrate that we not only have the commitment but the capacity to plan for many more years to come. This upgrade will allow us the operational flexibility to better manage the complex needs around homelessness, to deliver improved outcomes for the people we support.”
Mr Garner announced the new name of the crisis accommodation service will be the Wesley Edward Eagar Centre. Wesley Mission has launched a major fundraising appeal to help raise $12 million to redevelop the service.
“I am delighted that former Prime Minister the Honorable John Howard OAM AC has agreed to be patron of the appeal,” said Mr Garner.
Wesley Mission expects the improved privacy, security and level of individualised care in the new model will lead to shorter stays as people are able to address crisis needs more quickly.
Plans also include a second lift, improved support facilities and a cafe giving the entrance a more inviting welcome, not only to clients but also the broader community.
The refurbishment has been designed by architects Scott Carver and integrates conservative changes to the heritage-listed facade and chapel with innovations in crisis accommodation to vastly improve how this essential service is provided. The addition of en suites means there will be 40 large, self-contained bedrooms, rather than the current smaller, more basic rooms.
To make a donation to the Wesley Edward Eagar Project visit wesleymission.org.au/edwardeagarproject