Our Journey
At Detour House Inc., our journey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls facing the challenges of drug and alcohol dependency, homelessness, and complex life situations. Since our establishment in 1984, we’ve continuously evolved, keeping our mission at the forefront: to create a future where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can live safe, stable, and fulfilling lives.
Foundation and Growth
1984
Detour House is established by community members who see the need for a safe, women-only post-rehabilitation service, under the umbrella of Women’s Place refuge for homeless women.
2003
Detour House Inc (DHI) takes over the management and care of Young People’s Refuge.
2007
DHI receives accreditation through Quality Management Services after meeting all standards.
2011
Detour House returns to Glebe following three months of repairs after briefly operating in Petersham.
2014
NSW Government tenders fail to sufficiently provide for women-only services, threatening YPR and DH with closure. Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre and our management committee form ‘SOS Women’s Services’ with other women’s services to advocate against the impending closures. SOS Women’s Services embarks on a community campaign and receives support from all four local councils, meets with government ministers and Members of Parliament across the political spectrum, and collects 14,000 signatures in four weeks to table in Parliament. In September, the recently named Family and Community Services Minister, the Hon. Gabrielle Upton, visits YPR and announces that funding is restored to both services along with the other specialist women’s services in the inner city, and that they will retain their main properties. Detour House continues its services under lead agency B Miles for the Inner City Service for Women with Complex Needs. YPR continues its services under the Homeless Youth Assistance Program (HYAP) formally named the Homeless Support Service for Girls and Young Women with Complex Needs.
2015
DHI passes the National Regulatory System for Community Housing. Staff and the management committee develop a new strategic plan. The SOS campaign helps secure funding for Detour House and YPR until 2020.
2016
YPR changes its name to The Girls Refuge (TGR) to reflect the name it became known as during the campaign to save it from closure. The management committee releases the new Strategic Plan 2016-22.
2023
The Detour House Inc Board starts implementing the new Strategic Plan 22-27, commencing with quality improvement and service redesign initiatives to ensure services are meeting the modern challenges experienced by clients and maximising opportunities to work in partnership.
A Trusted Partner
Over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted partner for those facing the challenges of homelessness, addiction, and trauma. Our dedication to offering support that respects individuality and fosters self-determination has been unwavering.
Facing Challenges Head-On
The year 2020 was undoubtedly challenging, as the impact of COVID-19 disrupted lives across the globe. It presented obstacles for us as a nonprofit organisation, but our dedicated staff responded with unwavering commitment to delivering quality services.
Renewed Partnerships
We strengthened our position in the market through renewed partnerships and stakeholder engagement. These connections have allowed us to provide better programs for our clients, adapting to their evolving needs.
Looking Forward
As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast. We’ve embarked on a new strategic plan that aligns with our vision and purpose. Our key goals and objectives for the future include expanding our accommodation options, enhancing the quality and range of our services, and fostering a workplace culture of empowerment and engagement.
Our Thanks
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our board members, staff, and supporters who have stood by us during these challenging times. Your dedication and generosity have enabled us to continue our vital work.
At Detour House Inc., our journey is a testament to the resilience of the women and girls we support and the strength of our community. Together, we are creating safe, stable, and fulfilling lives for all.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal land in which we live and practice and the cultures that here gather; our ancestors and future generations. We embrace anti-oppressive feminist practice, holding the hope of creating safety-centred positive change.