Catherine House update
Despite what has been, at times, a heavy and uncertain year, Catherine House remains a place of hope for so many. Women who walk through our doors often recount the day they received the phone call informing them we have a place for them in our accommodation service. It is often a tear-filled, emotional, and uplifting moment they share with us. They finally have hope for their future. We thank you for assisting us in ensuring we can continue to provide this moment for women. We also continue to feel humbled by the levels of support we see from our community. From individuals, families, and ambassadors to schools, organisations, and government bodies, we are continually amazed by the impassioned advocacy and endorsement of our work from within our supporter community. A number of new and ongoing partnerships help us to continue our work in what has been a challenging and uncertain time for so many. Throughout this newsletter, you will read about our current work as well as some truly inspiring stories from the women we support. Our education and employment pathways continue to be such a unique and valuable part of our service, providing increased opportunities, a positive mindset and, importantly, a future of financial stability. I hope, as you read through this newsletter, that you feel the same sense of satisfaction that each of us at Catherine House does, knowing we are working to improve outcomes for women in our community. Your support makes our work possible, and on behalf of the team, I again express our gratitude. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get further involved, please do not hesitate to reach out. On behalf of everyone at Catherine House, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas, and I look forward to your continued support in 2024.
It's my pleasure to update you on the outcomes and achievements of Catherine House – in our 35th year of supporting women experiencing homelessness. It cannot be overstated that 35 years of Catherine House would not be possible without your ongoing support. Your generosity allows us to continue providing safe accommodation and support services for South Australian women who are experiencing what is often the most difficult time in their lives. In a very challenging year, Australians have endured 13 interest rate rises in the last 15 months, bringing interest rates to their highest level since 2011. In addition, there has been an unprecedented increase in the cost of living. With rental availability in South Australia at 0.3% - the lowest across the country - more and more women are losing their homes. South Australia is now the country's second least affordable state for housing. All this has contributed to a steep rise in demand for our services. In fact, the latest census revealed that women make up the majority of "newly homeless" across Australia, and women between the ages of 35-45 and girls under the age of 18 represent the fasting cohort of all people experiencing homelessness. Sadly, we know that another element sitting behind these worsening statistics is increasing incidences of family violence and abuse. It has been a particularly tough time for the team at Catherine House, with five South Australian women in a month (four in one week) losing their lives at the hands of men known to them. Five mothers, sisters, aunties, and friends - were taken from their families through acts of violence. At Catherine House, we will continue to advocate for women's rights and ask you to join us in calling for action to put an end to these abhorrent attacks.
JULIE DUNCAN General Manager, Catherine House
PAGE 02 | CATHERINE HOUSE CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER | 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
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