Handcrafted cubby houses build hope for women in crisis
Care, community, and craftsmanship have come together to support a women’s homelessness shelter in the CBD.
The men of the Men’s Shed Parafield are building support for The Wright Place, an emergency accommodation shelter for homeless women run through BaptistCare.
Three cubby houses, handcrafted by members of the Men’s Shed, will be auctioned off online to raise funds, with all proceeds going to the shelter.
With members pouring in their time, skills, and creativity, the Shed has produced cubbies fitted out with kitchen play areas, golden tapware and hooks for pots and pans, perfectly finished benchtops, and sanded hardwood floors.
Porches, windows, painted splashbacks, and weather-proofed corrugated iron roofs complete the cubby houses.
“What’s been particularly rewarding is seeing how many more volunteers wanted to be part of the project as it progressed,” said Men’s Shed Parafield president Bryce Routley. The shed currently has about 45 members, with 20-25 regularly available. Members range in age, with many in their late 60s – 80s.
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“There was quite a number who were interested in participating in the program, so I drew up the plans, and as it goes with old blokes who think they know everything, ‘Oh, I’ve just modified the plan, because I reckon this will work better.’ So, yeah, I say I’ve got 25 guys with 26 opinions,” he laughs, describing the project’s progress.
Each of the cubbies have their own distinct character and charm. For example, one is decorated in shades of blue and white, another in neutral creams, and the third will be finished with weatherboard cladding.
Routley said that Men’s Sheds provided important mental, physical, and social benefits for members, as well as being able to provide services and support to local communities.
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“When [men] leave the workplace, they lose all these social connections, and they can be quite isolated when they retire,” he says.
He noticed improvements in members’ lives and outlooks through their participation. Additional members enjoy the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills to work, providing improvements for others as well.
“There’s a real need in the community for helping, and we should all be getting behind BaptistCare and other agencies in that field to help these women who have been thrown in the deep end,” he says, speaking about women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.
“They’ve got kids in tow, or threats from ex-partners, and you’re going ‘how can we help?’,” Routley said.
“Wright Place exists to ensure women have not just a roof over their heads,” says BaptistCare’s General Manager of Community Services SA/WA, Kate McGarry, “but the stability, care and support they need to rebuild their lives.”
The online auction for the cuddies will be hosted by Harris Real Estate with the online auction running from May 4 to June 2. It will conclude at a High Tea event held by BaptistCare on June 2.
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