The house will provide temporary accommodation for women and children in need while they are helped into new homes. It is operated by the Gore and Clutha Women's Refuge on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development.
The opening of the 250sqm, six-bedroom Stewart St house on Tuesday signalled a major shift in the district's ability to care for its most vulnerable, Clutha Mayor and refuge board member Bryan Cadogan said.
''We're naive to think we're different to any other community in terms of social needs in this area.
''Previously, we didn't have the ability to respond to immediate, emergency needs for rehousing of families in crisis, so I'm absolutely rapt to see this facility opening today.''
Refuge manager Sam Munro said the facility was not a refuge safe house, and access to its services was through referral.
''We believe this will be a huge asset for the Clutha community, fulfilling a long-standing need for accommodation, and in provision of our women's and tamariki programmes.
''We couldn't have done it without the time, commitment and generosity of the local community, so we're very grateful to all those who've contributed.''
Demand for emergency accommodation via the refuge had tripled between 2007 and 2017, necessitating an increasing use of motels.
The size of the new facility - a former nunnery - would allow more services to be delivered from a single location, ''affordably and effectively''.
Ms Munro said the house had already received its first referrals.
Others in crisis could contact the refuge on (03)208-9333.
