Jo Higgins outside Grace Haven Cottages: “We want to help families ... find their feet and start rebuilding their lives.” Below: inside one of the cottages.
For women and children rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence, having somewhere safe, peaceful and affordable to call home can make all the difference.
Tucked away in a secure location, Grace Haven Cottages is providing just that – five beautiful, fully furnished homes where families can take a breath, regain their independence and begin looking towards a brighter future.
Grace Haven Cottages Business Manager Jo Higgins says the initiative is about giving families the time and space they need to get back on their feet.
“The whole thing is about heart,” Jo said. “We want to help families have somewhere safe and calm and lovely to live while they settle, find their feet and start rebuilding their lives.”
Established with Queensland Government Housing Infrastructure Fund in 2024, the development comprises two three-bedroom and three two-bedroom stand-alone cottages, specifically for women with children aged up to 12 who have recently been affected by domestic and family violence.
The cottages are rented at $450 a week for two bedrooms and $490 for three bedrooms – considerably below local market rates.
“They’re nearly brand new and come fully furnished with everything a family needs to just move in, breathe and have a little time to get their lives back together before moving on,” Jo said.
Unlike emergency crisis accommodation, Grace Haven Cottages provides affordable, transitional housing for families ready to take the next step towards independent living.
Tenants are initially offered six-month leases through a real estate agency, allowing them to establish a positive rental history – something that can be particularly difficult for women emerging from troubled relationships.
“That rental history is really important,” Jo explained. “Sometimes families have been through so much upheaval that their rental references aren’t great. Here, they can start fresh, establish a good record and have something positive to take with them when they’re ready to move on.”
The cottages operate as independent homes, with families enjoying their privacy rather than being subject to intensive case management.
A tenant liaison officer is available to connect residents with community services, including housing assistance, legal advice, medical care, schools and childcare.
The environment is strictly drug and alcohol-free, helping maintain the atmosphere Jo believes is essential.
“It’s a beautiful, peaceful place where families can just rest and heal,” she said. “We don’t need to know everything they’ve been through. That’s their personal business. We just want to give them a lovely place to live and the opportunity to move forward.”
Having retired from a long career in the public service in 2018, Jo says helping families through Grace Haven Cottages has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
And while each family’s stay is intended to be temporary, the hope is that the benefits will last much longer.
“Six months isn’t a long time, but sometimes it’s long enough to make a real difference,” she said. “Whilst it would be ideal to offer long term housing, Grace Haven Cottages really wants to help as many families as possible through affordable transitional housing.”
Grace Haven Cottages welcomes enquiries from families who have been affected by domestic and family violence and are looking for affordable transitional accommodation.
• For more information: 0494 380 136 | info@gracehavencottages.org.au.
