We're Joining Forces With Housing All Australians

Julia Canella | News | 27 September 2021

We're helping to take action with a new and much-needed refuge for homeless women in Melbourne.

In July 2020, a vacant house in Melbourne's eastern suburbs was lovingly restored and handed over to YWCA National Housing to provide emergency accommodation to homeless women.

Gardenhouse is a project by Housing All Australians (HAA), who have partnered with YWCA National Housing, The Salvation Army as well as a group of more than 40 private companies, including Linen House. Collectively, we've donated more than $200,000 worth of labor, products and services to refit this building, and bring this project to reality.

Affordable housing is in desperate short supply for women who've experienced family violence and need to leave an abusive partner. More than two-thirds of all people seeking homelessness support are women, with many unable to receive the support they need.

HAA founder and director, Robert Pradolin, says Gardenhouse has set a new standard for emergency accommodation.

"We wanted to create a space that felt homely, comfortable and stylish for women who are desperate and afraid for their lives. It's not a permanent solution, but an environment for them to have the time and space they need to draw on support services and get back on their feet."

"There are empty buildings in Melbourne and many parts of Australia that can be converted into temporary pop-up shelters for people either currently experiencing homelessness or facing it without swift intervention."

The renovation of Gardenhouse took more than 12 months, with students at Collarts School of Design leading the interior design of the six-bedroom house, seeking to create an area conducive to wellness and camaraderie.

We're truly excited to have built an amazing relationship with HAA, and to know our products are enabling those who deserve it most, a safe and comfortable night's sleep.

Read more about this project here.