The first stage of an extensive facelift at Wagga’s Micah House could begin shortly, with the project’s builder to be announced by the end of February.
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St Vincent de Paul has received three tenders for the project, which will see the former drop-in centre reinvented as a “one-stop shop” for people seeking assistance.
Micah House, on the corner of Trail and Gurwood streets, was closed in September and its role taken over by the nearby Edel Quinn complex, which is also run by St Vincent de Paul.
It had operated as a drop-in centre offering meals and help for those coping with homelessness or mental health issues since 2001.
Plans for the renovation of the building have been approved both by the St Vincent de Paul central council and Wagga City Council.
Central council president Jenni Duff said it was hoped actual building work would begin in March, with the renovated building ready to use by mid-year.
Ms Duff said the decision was made to change the role of Micah House as the council felt there was a fair degree of duplication between the services between it and Edel Quinn.
The central council decided to change the focus of Micah House “from a place where people receive a hand-out to a hub where they were offered a hand-up”.
The building is close to not only the Edel Quinn complex, but the offices of other service providers, Ms Duff said.
St Vincent de Paul delivers services out of several facilities within the Wagga regional council area, but advice on how to access all of these services would be offered from Micah House once it reopened.
The renovation will provide multiple interview rooms where staff will be able to speak with members of the public – who are seeking the charity’s assistance – in private, and provide address on how to get help.
“They will receive sustainable assistance and case management support to address the issues which impact on their ability to live independently,” Ms Duff said.
“They may require assistance through Edel Quin where we offer crisis accommodation and case management services. Or we could set up a loan through our No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), or provide emergency relief around food and bills, financial counselling, welfare support, advocacy and life skills, and psycho-social programs.”
