Tiny Homes Project Announces Ribbon Cutting Day

Years of community fundraising and long construction days are about to become a place to call home for women facing homelessness, with Proserpine’s tiny homes project preparing to open its doors.

‍

Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins will cut the ribbon at the official opening on Thursday 19th November, marking a milestone for everyone who has helped bring the project to life.

Volunteer project coordinator Sandy Clark said support had come from across the Whitsundays, with thousands of people contributing over the years.

‍

The community had played an important part, attending a number of events over several years Sandy said.

Serious fundraising began around 2022, with locals gathering for dinners and other events to help turn the idea into something tangible. Raffles and auctions added to the funds raised, while building businesses donated materials or offered discounted prices.

‍

The project was initiated by Whitsunday Housing Company Limited, a charity providing rental housing for vulnerable community members, and focuses on women aged 50 and over who are experiencing homelessness, including those needing somewhere to stay in an emergency.

‍

“Which could be anything like a broken relationship, ill health, it could be just the fact that their skills are no longer relevant,” Sandy said.

“If they’re sleeping rough, they’re at the risk of being injured or taken advantage of.”

‍

Beyond accommodation, the team hopes to help residents build skills that could open a path back into employment.

‍

“So we’re also going to try and help them to reskill if we can,” Sandy said.

‍

“So that they can get back to work and get a job and work into something full-time.”

‍