Our Housing and Community Support Services
The BCA Housing and Community Support Service offers assistance to individual/s and families within the community who may be experiencing hardship or crisis through a mix of support, case management, advocacy, advice and provision of information and referrals; within a confidential, non-judgemental, inclusive and culturally appropriate environment.
Below are the different support options available to eligible clients through our service. Our team looks forwarded to providing the necessary support to you or a family member.
Domestic and Family Violence Counselling
The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) Housing and community Support Service provides accessible counselling and court support services to people who are experiencing (or have experienced) Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).
We are here to listen, help and support you in your choices.
We can:
- Provide domestic and family violence counselling
- Safety planning and identifying ways that the service user can increase their safely in their home, work and social environments
- Assist with safety upgrades to your place of residence
Community Support Service Program
- Advice, advocacy and referral services
- Community living support and community development activities
- Local and regional service provider collaboration and coordination
- Access to information and technology
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate service support and/or referrals
Crisis Accommodation Program
- Short and/or medium term housing
- One-on-one weekly support visits
- Transition from crisis housing to permanent long term housing
Dignity Program
Provision of crisis care packs for adults and children affected by domestic and family violence, during and outside office hours.
Emergency Relief Program
Provision of food packages and relevant other items from the Support Centre, 130 Queen street Ayr, every Monday 1.00pm-1.30pm or as negotiated with staff. Please note that service users may be asked to provide a Centrelink Income Statement.
Older People’s Action Program
Assistance for older community members and their family/friends to access services and information regarding:
- Accommodation, health, education and transport
- Financial and legal matters
- Household assistance
- Social activities
- Retirement
Safe Connections Program
BCA has partnered with WESTNET to be a local distributor of Safe Phones along with information on the safe use of technology to help support women impacted by domestic violence to stay safe and connected.
Second Bite Community Connect Program
BCA has partnered with Coles Ayr to provide people with access to nutritious food free of charge. The program is available from the Support Centre 130 Queen Street, Ayr every weekday from 10am until stock is gone.
Specialist Homelessness Program
Assistance with exiting homelessness by accessing suitable short or long term housing.
Community Connections Magazine
A community magazine helping to keep members of the community connected and educated regarding social, welfare and health services.
Court Support
The DFV service provides court support for aggrieved persons in relation to Protection Order applications and mentions at the Ayr Magistrate Courts. The Court Support service provides the following assistance:
- Assisting in the preparation of court documents
- Providing information at court
- Assistance and support
- Referrals
- Court advocacy
The DFV Service also provides information to respondents. The support provided assists the respondents to be aware of the court processes and understand the meaning of domestic violence orders and other actions of the court.
Funding
Housing and Community Support Services programs are supported by funding by the Queensland State Government and the following departments.
Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services
Department of Housing
Department Of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
Rebecca Grogan
Service Manager, Housing and Community Support Service