Challenge Southern Highlands house closer with Bowral Lions Club support

The Lions Club of Bowral has donated $2000 to the not-for-profit organisation as a down payment.

The club was heavily involved in making the first house a reality, where they donated about $25,000, electrical goods, and kitchen and washing appliances for it.

It is a community-based charity that provides supported employment for disabled people.

Read also: Shane Duffy makes world record by finishing six Ultramans in 12 months

CSH general manager Tony McElhinney said the second house would provide invaluable support for those who need it most.

"The purpose of the house is to provide permanent accommodation for people who may not have the ability to live independently," he said.

"Our aim is to provide a safe, caring, supportive environment for them to live."

The first accommodation known as Challenge House aims for disabled people to transition to living independently, and learning domestic skills and maintain their surroundings.

The additional house is estimated to cost $1 million to build.

Read also: Bundanoon Highland Gathering donates more than $48,000 to the community

The second home is going to house up to five people, as well as staff onsite, have a communal bathroom, kitchen, loungeroom and other shared facilities.

A unit will also be attached.

Mr McElhinney said the project initially came about when a disabled person was sent to a retirement home after one of his parents passed away.

He said it was not an appropriate solution and he was not taught how to look after himself.

Read also: Bowral man Craig Boland sentenced in Goulburn District Court for Highlands Dry Cleaners fire

If residents can move out on their own, the goal is for them to do so.

So far, two residents have moved out independently.

CSH provides services to people with disabilities across the region such as assisted housing and supported employment through Welby Garden Centre and its commercial division.

Learn more about Challenge Southern Highlands and donate through challengesh.org.au.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: