FOR 25 years, Hargreaves House has been more than a crisis accommodation facility – it has been a steady, welcoming anchor for young people in Ipswich who had nowhere else to turn.
Last week, the community came together to celebrate the milestone and reflect on the thousands of lives shaped within its walls, as inCommunity Inc. honoured the dedicated people and local support that made the service possible.
The home’s namesake, Robyn Hargreaves, and Quentin, the first young person to ever stay in Room 6, visited the facility for the anniversary.
Ms Hargreaves said the building had long been part of Ipswich’s story, well before it became a lifeline for young people.
“The first shelter was in a heritage building and historic home of Ipswich, which was an honour in itself,” she said.
“It served the service well, but as the needs of young people changed, we needed purpose-built accommodation.”
That opportunity came when inCommunity partnered with the Queensland Government to design and deliver a new six-bedroom home that opened in 2000.
Ms Hargreaves said the goal was not only to upgrade the facility but to ensure it looked and felt like part of the neighbourhood.
“Learning that the house was named after me came as quite a surprise, as many people contributed to bringing it to fruition,” she said.
“It was a lovely thing, a wonderful acknowledgement.”
For Quentin, returning to Hargreaves House was a powerful reminder of a turning point in his life.
He arrived in mid-2000 as a 17-year-old experiencing homelessness after a breakdown in family relationships.
“When I moved in, it was brand new – the mattress still had its plastic on it,” he said.
“After being abandoned and turning up somewhere I didn’t know, I really didn’t know what to expect. It was a comforting place to arrive at, a safe landing spot.”
During his three-month stay, Quentin learned about transitional units then managed by the service. Determined to build independence, he made this his goal and moved into the units shortly after leaving Hargreaves House.
“While at the units I started full-time employment, commenced my apprenticeship as a boilermaker and built a stable rent history,” he said.
“I stayed there until just after my 22nd birthday and have remained employed with a roof over my head ever since.”
“It’s very good that young people have this opportunity.
“If they can use it as a stepping stone to permanent accommodation and full-time employment, that’s what it’s all about.”
Since opening, Hargreaves House has delivered more than 43,000 bed nights to over 1900 young people.
