As one of the least funded organisations in town, St Benedict’s has seen in an increase in demand for people seeking safe, secure and appropriate accommodation. 

St Benedict’s Community Centre has for over 10 years been a place for people to seek assistance. It has come out of the work of local churches to address the needs of people in poverty and disadvantage.

This year it has been 40 years since the Celebration Community came to Queanbeyan, which led to a variety of responses to and working with the community around people who were rough sleeping, and/or seeking assistance with addictions. A youth refuge, Mary’s Place was established in this time, which then changed into a single men’s refuge.

Also around this time Molonglo Support Services was founded, as well as Queanbeyan Housing Association which has become part of Argyle Community Housing. Karabar Housing Cooperative is another small charity which was established in 1986 by parishioners of the Queanbeyan Anglican parish in response to the problem of increasing rents in the area.

The Cooperative was established under the aegis of a government initiative on land owned by the church which had not been developed up to that time. Most of the funds were raised from private persons within the Queanbeyan Parish. 

The charity now houses 48 people including 14 children. Tenants include people with disability, and older people as well as employed people with low wages. Rents are concessional and generally equate to around 64 percent to 75pc of market rent, and no more than half of tenant’s income. 

The charity still operates with only one paid part-time member of staff and six volunteers who comprise the board. St Benedict’s, Karabar Housing Cooperative and HOME in Queanbeyan are co-located, providing support for homeless and other marginalised groups. Co-location has enabled the sharing of resources and helped to facilitate referrals of tenants to mental health, financial or other support.