See Community Support in Action
Just weeks after officially opening its doors to people in need in the Byron Shire, the newly refurbished Fletcher Street Cottage is holding an open day for the community.
After extensive renovations funded through generous community donations, the cottage opened its doors to the homeless community on April 12 2022.
Created as a safe and welcoming space for those sleeping rough, the cottage is run by the Byron Community Centre and its team of experienced staff and dedicated volunteers. Together, they offer a range of invaluable services to the homeless, including a breakfast service and access to hot showers and laundry.
“Fletcher Street Cottage is an exquisite space which has been sensitively designed by the Creative Capital team,” says Jenny Ryan, Homelessness Projects Manager. “It is already being greatly appreciated by our visitors who are enjoying our breakfast program, facilities, connections and easy access to support.
We sit within a generous community who have contributed to and shown a keen interest in our development. We welcome any of the broader community to visit us on our Open Day, to see the space and to connect with us about what is on offer.”
Bringing the Byron Shire Back Together: Floods, Pandemic, and a Housing Crisis
The team welcomes anyone interested to attend the open day, take a tour of the new facilities, find out more about the support and information available to those in need, and meet the friendly cottage staff and volunteers.
“Following the devastating floods that have further amplified the current housing crisis, we have seen an increased demand in homelessness services,” says Dayna Suchoparek, Community Support Worker. “We feel extremely fortunate that we have the support of locals to help meet people's basic needs and connect them with further services.
Fletcher Street Cottage is ultimately a community response and it's a pleasure to be able to invite everyone to come and see the outstanding space that has been created, meet the team and learn more about the services we provide.”
No bookings are necessary, and the free event will take place from 10am - 2pm.
Fletcher Street Cottage is located at 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay. For more information or to make a donation, head to fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.