Dale Alcock Homes and The Salvation Army join forces in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction

Dale Alcock Homes is dedicated to considering our wider responsibilities to the community and the environment. As part of our community program we currently partner the Salvation Army in their Red Shield Doorknock Appeal and Christmas Hamper packing.

To gain greater understanding into the type of work that the Salvation Army undertakes the management team of Dale Alcock Homes visited Harry Hunter House in March 2009. During the visit Ken Smith, Manager of the facility, highlighted the challenges of those involved in the program and the issues that Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre was facing given that one of the accommodation houses had been closed due to being in a state of disrepair.

A talk by a former resident crystallised for the team the power of the program and the positive impact that it was having on not only just the residents but their family and friends who were also affected by their substance abuse.

Greatly affected by what they had seen the Managers put forward a plan for Dale Alcock Home to become involved in building a three unit wing which would be specifically targeted to women in the program. The new units would essentially provide a safe and homely environment for families, including client’s children to visit whilst undergoing rehabilitation.

‘’The new female accommodation wing at Harry Hunter is essential to increase the capacity of the Harry Hunter facility overall and also to provide female specific accommodation separate to the male facilities. Given that many of the clients will have come from potentially violent and sexually abused backgrounds, the current situation whereby due to the shortage of accommodation, both male and female clients have to stay in the same buildings is not acceptable, “said Dale Alcock, Managing Director of Dale Alcock Homes.

“As Perth continues to grow as forecast, there will be a growing need for facilities like Harry Hunter rehabilitation centre. When you run a successful business in a prosperous state like WA, it is good to be reminded that as a community we will ultimately be judged by the way we look after those who are in a worse position than ourselves.”

An agreement has now been struck between The Salvation Army and Dale Alcock to demolish and build three, four bedroom units at a discount rate.

Recently Dale Alcock invited the company’s key suppliers to share Dale Alcock Homes’ vision for Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre. During this presentation suppliers were asked that wherever possible they contribute to the project – donation of materials labour or discounted product. Many have already offered to assist in various capacities.

With work expecting to commence in February 2010 and the project is expected to be completed by August 2010.

About Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre

The Salvation Army has historically served in addiction rehabilitation services since the mid 1860's in England and in 1961 opened the Harry Hunter Centre named after Brigadier Harry Hunter. The facility now serves around 200 people a year and provides an opportunity to find freedom from addiction of a wide range of substances, of which in recent years amphetamines such as ice which is extremely destructive. By in large however, alcohol is still the major addiction substance.

People come to the centre through Bridge House in Highgate following detox and a thorough assessment to determine the desire and will of the individual to address significant underlying issues in their lives. After the 13 week program at Harry's, there is a comprehensive after care program which assists individuals in re establishing themselves into the community and to reconnect with positive influences. Many after graduation of the program come back to Harry's in a support function or even an employment capacity to assist others.

It is The Salvation Army's values of Dignity, Hope, Compassion, Justice and Community that drive The Salvation Army’s service at Harry's to assist people in freeing the binding addictions that capture the human spirit.