Good Samaritan Inn - Melbourne

The Good Samaritan Inn (GSI) is pleased to announce the success of its submission to the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Grant Round, with funding confirmed from the Australian Government Department of Social Services. GSI’s funding of $5.26 million will deliver the construction of 12 new one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, that will provide women and children fleeing violence safe and supportive accommodation for up to 12 months. This significant investment marks a major milestone for the organisation as it continues to expand its vital support services and accommodation settings for women and children impacted by family violence. This expansion further contributes to GSI’s practise of creating nurturing environments that empower women and children to move forward to brighter futures. The new units will offer victim-survivors the opportunity to live independently, while remaining supported as they navigate their path to recovery and healing. The welcomed investment will complement the ongoing generosity of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and the operational funding received from the Victorian State Government. "We are immensely grateful for the Commonwealth's support. This funding allows us to expand our services and stands as a testament to our 26-year commitment to those in need, beginning with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan opening their doors to the homeless. This project, which will see the development of our third facility, is a crucial step forward in creating more safe and stable places where family violence victim-survivors can begin their journey to healing." – Patricia Bergin GSI Chair. Honouring their values of inclusivity and respect, GSI will continue to welcome all women and their children, including both trans and cisgender women, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals. Specialist support will remain a priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and women on temporary visas. Additionally, several of the new units will be designed to accommodate a wide range of accessibility needs. The project also presents valuable opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and build new partnerships with local services to create comprehensive and culturally safe networks of support. With the construction of the new accommodation site supported by this investment from the Commonwealth, GSI will be able to deliver a comprehensive service model encompassing immediate crisis response, longer-term case management, and healing and recovery support. This model is dependent now on continued funding to deliver its expanding services. The valued support we receive from our charitable communities facilitates our delivery of safe, inclusive support to women and children.