Catherine House update
The past few years have been particularly challenging with the impacts of COVID-19, a significant loss of funding and the continued increase in the need for our services. We are humbled and so very grateful for the offers of support we receive from our Catherine House community. Support from donors, philanthropic foundations, government, corporate and in-kind supporters, fundraisers, volunteers and ambassadors does not go unnoticed. The collective hundreds of volunteered hours, the boot- loads of donations, the organisation and attendance of events, the impassioned advocacy of your voices, and the financial contributions – no matter the amount – it all truly makes a difference. The first six months of the year have been incredibly busy. We have worked with 271 women to end their homelessness, provided more than 22,000 nutritious meals, engaged with 38 women through our Education and Employment Pathway Program, and provided 31 Education Grants to assist with further learning and personal development. When you choose to support Catherine House, this is the difference you make. It is your offering of support and time that shows us, and the women we support, that they are thought of, cared for, valued and worthy. For many women, this is the first time they have felt this in their lives. Over the remainder of the year, we will have many opportunities for you to get involved, and we ask you to please think about supporting us. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter with a sense of pride and on behalf of our staff, volunteers and clients – thank you.
I am thrilled to be able to write to you in our very special anniversary year. As you may be aware, this year Catherine House is celebrating 35 years of supporting women experiencing homelessness. During this time, we have worked with thousands of women through what is often the most challenging times of their lives. In 1987, the Sisters of Mercy partnered with the South Australian Housing Authority and the City of Adelaide to purpose-build Catherine House. They were true pioneers of their time – their tenacity and determination still inspire us to empower women every day. A year later, Catherine House began with humble beginnings and tireless work through the Sisters. Sister Anne Gregory paved the way for an organisation that existed to provide a safe place for women. A supportive environment that created opportunity and hope. When we opened our doors in 1988, we were the first women’s only homelessness service in South Australia, and today, in 2023, we are still the only service providing this support. Our accommodation and support services have always been in demand. However, with the current lack of affordable housing, rental crisis (the current rental availability is at 0.06%) and cost of living pressures, demand for support is at an all-time high. We know there are many factors contributing to the increase of people experiencing homelessness, particularly women. As an organisation, we continue to work with government and our sector colleagues to advocate for further support. We take great comfort in knowing that we have an incredible community of supporters that enable us to work with women through our holistic and recovery-based model of care. This proven model has changed the lives of so many women and importantly enabled them to end their homelessness – for good.
JAYLEE COOPER Manager of philanthropy & engagement, Catherine House
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