A history of helping for a future of new beginnings

It was Sunday, May 21, in 1972 that His Excellency, the Governor, Sir Douglas Kendrew, addressed 200 guests at a gala occasion for the opening of two new wings at St Bartholomew’s Anglican Home. “When I first came to St Bartholomew’s… this was just a shelter. It has become a home,” His Excellency said.

Government Minister for Community Welfare, Mr Willessee, said: “Money and new buildings alone do not create a home…Money can’t buy it, that incomparable gift given to men.” As the Minister recognised, the importance of having a home – not just a house - for a person’s well being is ‘incomparable’. Chaplain and Director of St Bartholomew’s, Reverend Peter Hodge,described St Bartholomew’s philosophy in a single sentence: “If I cannot love the brother I can see, how then can I love the God whom I cannot see.”It is this core belief that has distinguished St Bartholomew’s House,or St Bart’s as it is now known, from other homeless shelters.
Today, St Bart’s is not only the ‘Home for Men’ it once was but a place of hope for anyone in need. The services St Bart’s now offer include: Crisis Units, Transitional Accommodation, Aged Care, Mental Health and Independent Living. In addition, the organisation offers comprehensive support programs around the services that aim to stop the cycle of homelessness. Adopting a sustainable approach, St Bart’s provides some of Perth’s most vulnerable people with the essential support they need to rebuild their lives, breaking the cycle of homelessness and reconnecting them with the community.
In 2013 St Bart’s will mark a historical milestone: 50 years of helping thousands of homeless Western Australians turn their lives around. Over these five decades, St Bart’s has witnessed the changing face of homelessness in Perth.
The new face of homelessness includes single parent families, single older women (over 55) and those on low incomes who are unable to access affordable housing due to Perth’s soaring rent prices and rental accommodation shortages.
“Here at St Bart’s we’re witnessing a ‘changing face of homelessness’, fielding cries for help from growing numbers of low income earners and people on pensions who are unable to afford the rent.” said Andrew Hogan, the current CEO.
St Bart’s assist more than 1,200 people each year. With over 14,000 homeless people in WA alone, St Bart’s requires much needed sponsorship and donations to increase their services and capacity as they heartbreakingly have to turn away numerous women, men and families each night.
This year, St Bart’s focus is on shedding light on the ‘hidden’ homeless with the ultimate goal of eliminating homelessness in Western Australia.


This article is from the latest St. Bart's House newsletter. For more information on St. Bart's House, and what you can do to help, please visit their website.