Community House on the move
After 11 years in Cashel Street, the Christchurch
Community House Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi is
on the move to new premises in Hereford Street. The House closes its doors at 187 Cashel Street
on Friday 31 May (Queen’s Birthday Weekend) and
opens for business at 141 Hereford Street (opposite
the National Mutual Arcade) on Tuesday 4 June. Community House Manager Mike Asmussen says
people will still be able to access services during the
move. “However, it’ll be a chaotic and stressful time for
all the organisations involved, so I recommend
phoning first. We apologise for any inconvenience
this may cause our clients.” Mr Asmussen says the new building will give
people access to a wide range of social services in
one location, from budget advice to volunteering. “It has more floor space and each area is accessible
for people with disabilities, parents with young
children and the elderly. It offers better facilities for
the community we service.” Christchurch Community House Te Whakaruruhau
ki Otautahi is funded by the Community Trust, which
provides the premises, and gets $150,000 a year from
the Christchurch City Council, which pays the lease. Not-for-profit community organisations, such as the
Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Tenants Protection
Association and Disabled Person’s Assembly, pay
below-market rentals for office space to contribute
to the building’s ongoing operating costs. Mr Asmussen says by providing a stable
environment and access to affordable resources,
community groups can get on with their business,
rather than fighting for survival. The House is also a resource centre for other
community groups and provides meeting rooms
(interview, committee and conference), casual office
space, photocopying and faxing at community prices. Community groups interested in becoming a
tenant or accessing the other services provided by
Christchurch Community House Te Whakaruruhau
ki Otautahi, should ring the House, on 365 3139. |