Esperance Crisis Accommodation Service Inc (ECAS) was formed in 1989 when a group of Esperance people found that this was a much needed service. It was first run by volunteers who manned the phones and referred clients onto other services where needed. Accommodation was then only available in Kalgoorlie.
ECAS became an incorporated entity in 1990.
On 23rd September 1994 Mara House, a 18 bed women’s refuge, was officially opened for women and their children who are escaping Domestic or Family Violence.
Mara is Wonghai for hand and symbolizes the Centre’s role in reaching out to women and children in need. 

The service grew as the need for accommodation did, and we now run a house for people in crisis. Lachie’s House, named after Lachie Drummond; who was a long-time ECAS Committee Member and instrumental in setting up the service.
Lachie’s House provides accommodation for single men or women, families with children and couples from the Esperance community. We also take referrals from state and interstate.

We are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days per week. As well as short-term and crisis accommodation the service can provide support, advocacy, information and referrals.