However the building, now nearing the end of construction, may never have existed if not for the Reverend Jennifer Burns and her visions of the house.

“I had a dream that L’Arche would set up a house in Merewether, and so I rang around Newcastle and found out who I had to talk to,” Rev Burns said. “Synchronicity happened and it matched [the federation’s] timing perfectly.”

“It’s all been happening since July now. The Uniting Church owns the house, and we are entering into a partnership with L’Arche to give people with intellectual disability a place to live with a carer.

“It will enable them to have a new level of independence, and to build a strong connection with the community and community activities.”

Volunteers from the Merewether Lions Club, Newcastle High School and the Uniting Church have also been involved in the development, working on the renovations  to make sure doors would open December 1.

“We’ve been going to the house and ripping up carpets, painting to get the house ready with whatever we can do,” Merewether Lions Club member Marie Martinelli said of the volunteer work.The aim is to get young people out of retirement villages and old-age facilities because there’s no other place for them, so it’s a really good cause.”

To inquire about residency contact Rev Burns on 0411133679.