By REBECCA BILLS
IT’S a new stage for the Lilydale Uniting Church and Melba Support Services.
Last Monday, settlement was reached and the keys handed over to Melba Support Services from St Andrews Uniting Church in Anderson Street, Lilydale.
Melba’s association with the church dates back to its very first support service that was held in the church hall 40 years ago.
Melba Support Services CEO Glenn Foard announced his organisation was now the proud owner of the church and described the hand over as a huge opportunity for Melba and the church.
“It really is a huge milestone in Melba’s plans to provide greater housing choices for people with disability,” he said.
The purchase comes as the organisation plans to increase housing availability for people with disabilities with plans to build 15 one, two and three bedroom units on land at the back of the church.
“We all know that there is a great unmet need for affordable housing, particularly for people with disability.
Mr Foard said Melba is often frustrated by the current system as it does not allow much choice for residents.
He said accommodation options for people with severe and profound disabilities are very limited and generally consist only of group homes where people live with four or five other individuals that they don’t know.
“Currently, there are more than 1400 people with disabilities on the supported accommodation waiting list,” he said.
“People that want to live by themselves or perhaps share with one other person are not able to do so as the options are just not there.”
Chairwoman of the congregation Brenda McMinn said the agreement to sell to Melba guarantees the congregation will be able to use the church as a place of worship for years to come and, at the same time, advance the social justice mission of the church.
“We have always had a good association both with Melba and other organisations that serve the community,” she said.
Mr Foard said the next step will involve liaising with the council and seeking partners to help meet some of construction costs via a building fund that Melba is establishing.
For more information on the project or the building fund, call Melba Support Services Community Relations Manager Belinda Wilson on 9760 8246 or email belinda.wilson@melbasupport.com.au.
