Fletcher Street Cottage Launches Lifesaving Women’s Emergency Relief Program for International Women’s Day
By Kate Love
As demand for crisis support surges, a new initiative provides critical help for vulnerable women escaping domestic violence and facing housing insecurity.
In the heart of Byron Bay, Fletcher Street Cottage is a refuge for vulnerable women. But as the number of women seeking help has skyrocketed it is clear that much more needs to be done.
The Women’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program, a community-funded lifeline designed to offer immediate assistance to women facing the most desperate of situations, is officially launching on International Women’s Day, March 8th, at Fletcher Street Cottage.
“The rise in women coming through our doors has been both alarming and heartbreaking,” says Maddi Powell, Assistant Manager and Community Support Worker at Fletcher Street Cottage. “Many of these women are fleeing abusive situations. In those moments, they need help urgently, and that’s exactly what the Women’s Emergency Relief Program allows us to provide – critical support, immediately.”
Women now make up an increasing proportion of service users at Fletcher Street Cottage. Over the last six months, Community Support Workers have seen higher numbers of women escaping domestic violence and facing housing insecurity, some presenting with complex mental health needs, seeking refuge and assistance. And while the program offers help across a broad spectrum of needs, its true strength lies in its ability to respond rapidly.
Women escaping dangerous situations can receive immediate transport to safer locations, with the assistance offered swiftly and discreetly. For women facing hunger, especially those with children, the program offers food vouchers to ensure they don’t go without during their time of crisis. In addition, the program helps cover urgent expenses, such as overdue bills, preventing further financial hardship.
Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia*. For women escaping abuse, these interventions can quite literally be lifesaving. Most women are part of the hidden homeless, sleeping in cars, tents or couchsurfing.
Entirely powered by community donations, the Women’s Emergency Relief Program relies on the generosity of the Byron community. One of the first to step forward is the Bangalow Country Women’s Association (CWA), which has committed a generous donation of $10,000. Ruth Kirby, President of the Bangalow CWA, explains:
“Our branch members believe in backing the work of local community organisations, particularly those seeking to overcome the impact of homelessness and domestic and family violence among women. We were very pleased to learn that Fletcher Street Cottage has been targeting services for women and that the Women’s Emergency Relief Fund will further this work. We understand that the funds can be used flexibly to meet the variety of needs that women may have, and by responding swiftly to offer immediate assistance to those in desperate situations.”
Beyond this initial donation, the Bangalow CWA has also increased its ongoing monthly contribution to Fletcher Street Cottage, with Kirby noting, “Our branch members have agreed to increase our ongoing monthly donation to $500 to further support Fletcher Street Cottage in its work.”
“This isn’t just about providing shelter or food vouchers,” continues Maddi Powell. “It’s about giving women their dignity back. It’s about offering them safety, stability and a pathway to rebuild their lives.”
As the Women’s Emergency Relief Program continues to grow, so too does the need for community support. Every donation helps ensure that Fletcher Street Cottage can continue providing these lifesaving services.
Donating to the Women’s Emergency Relief Program is easy, and every contribution directly supports women in crisis. Donations can be made directly by heading to www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
For many women who come through Fletcher Street Cottage’s doors, the Women’s Emergency Relief Program offers hope in what is often their darkest hours. And for the Byron Bay community, it’s a reminder that together the community can make a real difference.
Byron Community Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community. For more information please see: www.byroncentre.com.au.
Fletcher Street Cottage provides support and services for people at risk of homelessness and those already sleeping rough. For more information please see: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 7am - 12pm