Our Story

Offering hope and providing services and support for the homeless

Who are we?

Shekinah House Inc is a grass roots community organisation that operates without recurrent Government funding, relying on the generosity of the community to be able to provide the services and support it offers to its clients.
Shekinah House is a non-profit organisation founded on 12 December 2014, by a small group of local like-minded community members, located in Launceston, Tasmania.
Shekinah House is an Incorporated Association recognised by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). Shekinah House Inc. is staffed solely by volunteers and has a Management Committee who oversee the operations of the organisation.

Our Purpose

Shekinah House's purpose is to provide "hope for the homeless". We support those who are homeless, at significant risk of becoming homeless or are financially or socially disadvantaged.
As well as assisting those who are homeless, we help those in the local community who are living in homes but are struggling to make ends meet, especially due to increasingly high rents and inflated grocery costs.
All our services are provided free of charge to those in need.

Our Scope

Our services and support are offered, but not limited, to those in the North East of Tasmania.
Our primary focus is on those who are sleeping rough. In collaboration with other community organisations, we offer comprehensive support in an endeavour to help facilitate their journey towards stable, long-term housing and community re-integration.
While our primary focus is rough sleepers, we are available to support anyone who is homeless, at risk of homelessness, or financially or socially disadvantaged.

Uniqueness

Shekinah House is an independent community organisation which offers all services without recurrent government funding.
Shekinah House tailors its services to meet local needs effectively, differentiating itself from government funded organisations by being to offer personalised, holistic support including through partnerships and referrals to other organisations.
We are also unique in our service delivery and ability to respond individual requests that can be catered for as we are not restricted or limited by any external funding body's rules or contractual obligations.

Our Future

Shekinah House intends to expand its services for the homeless by introducing supported short- term transitional accommodation for those who are change ready.
Shekinah House is seeking to identify a potential property within the Launceston area.
This initiative is designed to help those who are currently homeless or exiting prison or rehabilitation into possible homelessness, using aspects of a Housing First model.

What will this cost?

Shekinah House has been investigating the option of purchasing a property that would be suitable to meet short term accommodation needs. It is anticipated that up to $1 million will be required to secure and 'fit out' a suitable property.
Shekinah House has commenced a Building Fund and is actively seeking financial support.

We will seek

• Community grants
• Financial donations
• Professionals and tradespeople to donate their time and expertise

Why support Shekinah House?

Shekinah House is committed to addressing homelessness and financial hardship in Tasmania through targeted support and community engagement. We offer services and support that give a hand up.
While the practical support we offer may be seen as a 'hand-out', how we offer and provide the services and support is with the intention of not just meeting an immediate need but done in a way that helps the recipient to improve their well-being.
Helping individuals in their journey towards becoming not only 'securely' housed but also a 'better functioning' member of their community.