Coimba Men's Refuge

Our Crisis Refuge for men is called Coimba. It is located in Holden Street, Gosford and is close to all essential services. Every effort is made to keep "house rules" to a minimum so as to make living in shared accommodation as normal as possible.

There is no fixed term for clients' stay at Coimba, but it is expected that each client will work with his Caseworker to obtain suitable accommodation within about eight weeks. Coimba has three bedrooms and has been configured to allow nine men to share the facility. The men at Coimba are responsible on a roster basis for keeping the house and grounds clean and assisting with the cooking.

A meeting of all the men staying at Coimba is held each week at which issues affecting the house, suggestions for new equipment, proposals for joint activities and interpersonal problems are discussed and dealt with.

Prior to admission, each person will be assessed by the Program Manager who will explain the necessary constraints of communal living and the rules necessary for Coimba to provide safe and secure accommodation.

Unfortunately, due to limited staffing and the need to share accommodation, some men who have behavioural problems or disabilities may find that the accommodation offered at Coimba is unsuitable and therefore cannot be accommodated. In this case, staff will make every effort to find them alternative accommodation.

If following their assessment and if there is a vacancy, the Program Manager will offer an invitation to stay at Coimba.

Coimba staff provide each of the men with support and assistance to find suitable permanent accommodation and to help them address any problems that have caused them to become homeless.
In line with Coast Shelter's vision, Coimba Staff are trained and committed to providing help and assistance to each and every client. They continually update their knowledge through formal and informal training so they can provide the best possible support to their clients. It is not surprising that a number of men who have stayed at Coimba have told staff it is the best Men's Refuge they have ever lived in.

Coimba is funded by the Department of Community Services through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program and from Public Donations.

Coimba Men's Refuge Brochure (174 KB)