The modern house has six rooms and maximum capacity for 14 women and children facing homelessness, rather than for family crisis situations.
"We are aware that many members of the public are not aware of the Transitional Housing service offered in Balclutha, hence the invitation to local agencies," support worker Carol Adams said.
"I feel we may have a number of people in the community who would benefit from our service.
"Rental accommodation is becoming more difficult to acquire in the area and my role is to help clients with this."
Clients can be referred to the transitional housing team by the Ministry of Social Development (Winz), self-referral or a third party.
"We offer clients a safe and comfortable space to stay while we support them to [find] sustainable accommodation," transitional housing manager Ali Boyle said.
"After the client moves out . . . we can provide support for up to 12 weeks to ensure clients have support . . . as they move into their own sustainable rental."
After referral, WR conduct a needs-assessment to create an individual plan which best supports the client towards sustainable housing.
While in the Shared House clients must apply and work towards attaining sustainable housing, follow house rules, attend weekly meetings, take part in the cleaning roster and take responsibility for their children and their safety.
Whanau Refuge also offers the community the Ideal Renter Programme, explaining how to become rent ready, learn tenant’s rights and responsibilities and manage processes and tools to gain and maintain long-term accommodation.
Gore and Clutha Whanau refuge can be found online and by calling 0800 004 343.
