Campbelltown MP Greg Warren has praised the local organisations which have joined forces to build KARI House.
Once built, KARI House – which will be located in Macarthur Heights – will serve as a transitional home for young Aboriginal people making the change from foster care to independent living.
Kari House tenants will learn skills – including budgeting and cooking – to prepare them for independent living.
The organisations involved with the build include KARI Foundation, Property Industry Foundation, Parkview and Rawson Homes – who will construct the home.
It is anticipated the construction of KARI House will be complete in the in early 2020.
The official sod turning was held last week.
“There is a lot of goodwill in our community and this is a prime example,’’ Mr Warren said.
“To be able to have so many organisations come together for this one project is no mean feat.
“I can’t wait to see the finished product and how it helps shape the lives of the young tenants.”
KARI Foundation CEO Casey Ralph says the house will have six bedrooms, with one of the bedrooms dedicated to a house parent.
“What remains is a five bedroom teenager’s dream where they will have their own room and own space but the house parent will be around to help them develop those skills.
“We have a number of children in our foster care program and when they turn 18 they have that scary moment where they think ‘what do we do?’.
“Do I stay in placement, do I move out, do I have the skills to move out?’’
Parkview Group executive chairman Tony Touma said that when the opportunity to help fund the development of the house arose, “we were excited for the prospect of giving back in a tangible way’’.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of our suppliers, sub-contractors and partners in assisting with our cause,” he said.
