The Property Industry Foundation has partnered with the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation to help furnish ‘Hannah’s Sanctuary’ – a new townhouse development in Queensland, offering short-term (6-12 months) accommodation for victims of family and domestic violence.
“Hannah’s Sanctuary allows women and their children a safe place to reset, regroup and rebuild their lives after leaving a violent relationship,” says SS4H Chairman, Mark Woolley.
Domestic violence charity, Beyond DV will manage and operate the facility and SS4H will provide funding for a full-time social worker to support residents.
Small Steps 4 Hannah was founded to HALT the cycle of domestic and family violence. The foundation honours Queensland mum Hannah Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey (aka HALT) who tragically lost their lives in 2020 as a result of domestic violence. “The Clarke family have started a movement for change – Small Steps 4 Hannah – to put a HALT to the incidences and severity of domestic and family violence in Australia,” says Mark.
Hannah’s Sanctuary includes 4 x 3 bedroom apartments, 4 x 2 bedroom apartments, a studio apartment and a common room. “Our partnership with the Property Industry Foundation has allowed us to furnish each of the nine townhouses,” says Mark. “This would not have been possible without the support of the Foundation and will provide a warm and welcoming environment for these families already dealing with a difficult transition.”
The SS4H team are excited to move forward with the final touches on the development with the Foundation’s support. “We had heard about the amazing work that Property Industry Foundation were doing through the state for some time,” says Mark. “We met with them to advise about this project and the support we were looking for to see it through to fruition and we have been encouraged and supported throughout that process.”
Hannah’s Sanctuary plans to open its doors in mid-2023. “We hope to be open by May 2023, offering support and safety to women and their children who have just left relationships impacted by domestic and family violence.”
