Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre opens new transitional housing

As Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary, the doors have officially opened to a new cottage providing much-needed transitional housing for clients.

The transitional housing is designed to give clients at least 12 weeks into their recovery program more responsibility, while still being supported by Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol (CRDAC) staff. The newly refurbished home is one of four cottages located close to the main centre.

L-R: Michael Morris, Belinda Waugh, Rebecca Badcock

“Once our clients have completed stages one and two of the program, they move into one of cottages and are given the opportunity to restart their life,” CRDAC Nursing Unit Manager, Belinda Waugh, said.

“However, recovery isn’t linear so our clients still continue to visit the centre daily as part of their program and if they need greater support, staff are always on hand.”

The transitional housing also assists clients to create a positive life for themselves when they leave the centre.

“A number of our clients come into our care homeless and have nowhere to go once they’ve completed their treatment,” Ms Waugh said.

“By providing accommodation and this extra time to focus on their recovery, we are helping break the cycle. The rental market can be challenging to get into and we want to ensure our clients go into housing that is safe and in areas that support their recovery once they leave our care.

The $450,000 cottage refurbishment is jointly funded between Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) and Calvary.

Calvary Riverina Hospital General Manager, Michael Morris, said the funding delivered a complete revamp of the cottage, including a new kitchen and bathroom.

“Time had taken its toll on the cottage, however, through this initiative we were able to deliver a family-friendly cottage, where our clients will be able to continue their recovery in a safe and supported environment,” Mr Morris said.

“In addition to the new kitchen and bathroom, the cottage has been fitted out with new flooring and furniture, and cooling and heating has been installed. The garden has also been landscaped and the roof, gutters, doors and windows replaced or repaired.”

CRDAC is 32-bed unit which provides a therapeutic setting for clients to begin their journey of recovery from drug and/or alcohol dependency.

The centre delivers educational and holistic programs to arm clients with the skills to thrive outside the centre. Staff also help clients to reintegrate with community and family life, making sure they know they are not on their own once they leave the centre.

CRDAC also provides outpatient support through the Day Program, home detoxification support services and the Women’s Wellness Program.

The official 10th anniversary is on 16 October, and an open day will be held for the service’s partners. Since 2021, nearly 1,000 clients have been supported by CRDAC.