House of Hope nears completion

L-R: Foundation 61 administrator Caroline Lytzki, CEO Rob Lytzki, and builders and former program patients Scott Costello, Cameron Douglas, and Zeth Samios. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR residential rehab recovery centre for women is just over two months away from officially opening, with the centre’s lead driver revealing its completion date.

Geelong non-profit Foundation 61’s House of Hope, located on Russells Road, Mount Duneed, will open its doors on May 6 with local dignitaries and foundation supporters slated to be in attendance for the official opening.

Foundation 61 chief executive Rob Lytzki said it had been a long journey to get to this point, with only cosmetic tasks to be completed before the centre’s completion such as wiring, furnishings, and landscaping.

“This project has been running for over seven years now when we first received $1.5 million from the federal government in 2016, and as a foundation, we’ve raised close to $1 million.

“It’s been a great effort from all of our supporters and volunteers. This would not have been possible without them.”

One of the social areas at the House of Hope.

In 2022, the Times News Group reported the foundation had raised more than $700,000 through donations from other local charities and businesses.

The eight-bed women’s centre would finally allow the charity to extend its services across the Geelong community.

Foundation 61 CEO Rob Lytzki – a blueprint of the House of Hope can be seen on the screen behind him.

Once completed, the facility will provide up to six months live-in accommodation for residents battling drug and alcohol addiction.

The facility offers a community garden, counselling services, classrooms, family rooms, a kitchen, and offices for Foundation 61 staff members.

Foundation 61 will also work with patients to provide them with a holistic and long-term recovery plan to ensure they have the right resources to fight their addiction once departing the House of Hope.

“The project has taken longer than planned to complete. It was especially challenging through the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with getting volunteers to assist with its construction,” Mr Lytzki said.

Furnishings are filling up the House of Hope.

“Finding resources at the right price has also been a challenge in its own right, but we can start to see the finish line.

“It’s a terrific feeling knowing we’re only a couple months away from providing the Greater Geelong region with what will be a valuable asset to the community.”

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