After more than 20 years of providing a safe haven for those experiencing homelessness, Uniting Victoria and Tasmania has announced Reid’s Guest House will shut its doors later this year.
The historic building in Lydiard Street provides accommodation for those in the Ballarat and Highlands Region impacted by homelessness, with the facility housing 155 people last year.
Uniting says they’ll work hard over the coming months for find suitable alternative accommodation for residents.
With the organisation yesterday citing issues with heating and accessibility, Acting General Manager for Uniting’s North and Western Victoria region, Jerry Ham, said the building is no longer fit for purpose.
“To do anything to bring the building up to a modern standard, especially with the heritage overlay, would just be unfeasible financially,” he said.
Mr. Ham says Uniting Victoria and Tasmania intends to sell the building.
“The funds we get from the sale we will definitely be reinvesting into social and affordable housing within Ballarat.”
