The broker-initiated Safe Haven Community charity is urging the financial services industry to help reach its $20,000 target by May 31, as part of its support for this year’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
Founded in 2015 by Jaeneen Cunningham (pictured above) and Denise Hunter, the Safe Haven Community is supported mainly by volunteer brokers. The group aims to provide a safe place for women leaving abusive relationships, without requiring them to wait until they are in extreme danger.
Brokers have contributed both their time and donations to raise $8,225 so far.
“Our goal is that spreading the word to the wider industry will help us reach our ideal target of $20,000 this month through our Buy a Brick initiative,” said Cunningham, who is also a mortgage and finance broker at Etairos Finance.
“This tax-deductible purchase will go, in its entirety, towards securing a site, building the complex, and funding operating costs and support services to help move women at risk into more stable, longer-term accommodation.”
See LinkedIn post here.
The Safe Haven Community co-founder said that such actions are crucial to help women escape abusive partners and avoid the serious physical and emotional harm that can result from these situations.
Cunningham said women are the fastest growing group of homeless people in Australia, with domestic and family violence being the leading cause of homelessness among those seeking specialist support.
“We need options to help transition women and their children into more permanent accommodation, which is why we’re committed to establishing fully owned and operated, purpose-built, safe houses,” Cunningham said.
“The extreme levels of homelessness mean the demand for this type of service is greater now than ever, and we have plans to start our next Safe Home very soon. Once completed, this new development will provide women with an additional 1820 nights of safety per year.”
‘Bricks’ are available for $10 per unit and can be purchased here.
