Barnabas House remains in the hands of the Griffith community after a council decision exactly three years after it was first opened.
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The short-term crisis accommodation service which officially opened on October 27, 2012, had been operated by Griffith Baptist Church who also provided counselling services to the community. Following a reassignment of personnel, Griffith Baptist Church had decided it was unable to continue operating the facility.
Griffith City Council received expressions of interest from Argyle Community Housing and Lifesource Church to take over operation. Both Argyle Housing chief executive Wendy Middleton and Lifesource pastor Steven Rand addressed Tuesday night’s council meeting to put forward their case.
Ms Middleton described Barnabas House as a “fantastic and vital facility which was visionary in its time” and said they had provided social and affordable housing across NSW for over 30 years.
Mr Rand said Lifesource Church had been part of the Griffith community for 39 years and had been part of the combined churched meeting in 2009 where the concept for Barnabas House was originated. He went on to say many churches in Griffith had offered their support to Lifesource Church in their takeover bid. Melissa Barton, whose late mother Val Rowe had fought doggedly for a local mental health facility, also spoke in support of Lifesource Church’s bid.
Councillor Pat Cox commended both parties, but said while Argyle Housing’s bid had focussed on housing, Lifesource had focussed on people.
Council resolved to enter into a licence agreement with Lifesource Church for a term of 10 years with an option of an additional 10 years.
Mr Rand said the decision brought hope for people.
“We see Barnabas House as a refuge, a safe place for people to get their lives back on track,” Mr Rand said.
“We believe Argyle do a wonderful job with housing and we look forward to continuing our existing partnerships with them to help those in need. Nothing will change for the residents in the short-term, we will only transition over time.”