ECM is on the move
A message from Roby Curtis, Director of Emmanuel City Mission.
It is official, Emmanuel City Mission has been given notice from the owners of our building that we will need to move and close a chapter on the first 10 years of our daily mission to the homeless and vulnerable of the city from the 19 Merivale Street location.
At first, this came with great sadness and a sense of grief as an initial reaction to change can be one of concern and panic as to how to respond, however being the team we are and knowing each members commitment to the next person at the front door, this is an exciting time filled with much vision, reflection and anticipation.
We will complete 10 years of Merivale Street mission 30 June 2024, and we will close this chapter with certainty towards the future location and services to the needs of our city. We have begun the journey of communicating to our visitors and stakeholders, as well as pursuing all location options. We are seeing much opportunity arise in our midst as we propose various options and sites for our next phase. We know that the area of South Brisbane is a great location for people with need to access via public transport, as well as access other services via foot including the courts, probation and parole, housing services, health services and many more. We also recognise the cultural significance of many sacred landmarks for our First Nations people, of which no matter of development of the Southbank precinct will change.
In sharpening our focus, we have undergone a formal proposal process towards a venue close to the current premise, and to date the proposal has been received favourably and is undergoing much discussions, surveying and awaiting an approval of concept. Please keep this proposal and opportunity in your thoughts and prayers daily. We see a greater work of unity at play in the heart of our missionary identity and its ability to influence the local community and transform the lives of many in our city.
We are very fortunate to have the high level support of one of our leading property development stakeholders at the helm of this proposal and its application. This expertise equips ECM as it seeks to best utilise the current location and maintain its many charisms and operational transparencies, whilst providing our visitors with a state of the art facility, and taking the ECM services forward in their capacity, efficiency and professionalism.
More will be announced when able, however we will endeavour to communicate all updates and developments to our community as they appear.
Many of you have supported us for the first 10 years of mission, and I'm encouraging you today to stay aboard the next 10 and beyond. We have learnt much and loved much, and the fruit of our mission is written in the lives of the many whom have overcome their initial struggle and found purpose driven lives operating in their full potential. This is our why, and for this we must press on towards the goal and create a better Brisbane and society for the homeless and vulnerable of the city.