impact rePort
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Supporting women experiencing homelessness
Catherine House acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. Catherine House is located on Kaurna Land and we acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. Catherine House is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
Our 2024 RAP Catherine House, together with Housing Choices Australia, is committed to an equitable and safe society for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We believe this can only be achieved in a spirit of reconciliation between First Nations people and non- Indigenous Australians. We are genuinely committed to this cause and in 2024 launched our second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which maps our path to support reconciliation through building relationships, respect, opportunities and governance.
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table of contents
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 16 18
Catherine House
Who We Supported
Support Model
Waitlist Support Service
Intake Service
Women’s Centre
Education and Employment
Kitchen Program
Additional Support
Advocacy Impact
Mobilise Partnership
Impact Report 3
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
government partners
major education partners
major partners
major in-kind partners
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catherine house
scan to support catherine house
Catherine House is South Australia’s only homelessness and recovery service for women. Our aim at Catherine House is to end homelessness for every woman who walks through our doors – for good. Catherine House offers person-centred support and trauma-informed care, focusing on clients’ existing strengths and knowledge. Catherine House deals with the immediate issues created by homelessness and assists women in planning a future that helps them sustain housing and financial security, and build purposeful lives. In addition to our accommodation services, Catherine House offers a number of support services to ensure each woman has the opportunities she needs to recover from what has brought her into homelessness.
our programs
Waitlist Support Service Support provided to women on our waitlist to minimise or prevent homelessness.
Crisis Accommodation A safe and secure place where women work together with their Case Worker to secure long-term housing. Mental Health Programs Supported accommodation for women experiencing homelessness with a diagnosed mental health condition. Supported Bail Program Partnership with the Department for Correctional Services to provide accommodation for women on bail. Women’s Centre A wellbeing space designed for women to engage in various courses and activities. Outreach Support Additional support for women leaving Catherine House, supporting their transition to living independently. Education & Employment Pathways Skill building, resume and employment support, tutoring and access to TAFE, WEA and University.
Catherine House is so much more than a safe bed and a meal.
Our Support Services
Health Services
Counselling Services
Mental Health Support
Legal & Financial Advice
Wellbeing & Personal Development
NDIS Support
Impact Report 5
who we supported
client numbers
client demographics by age
60 120
Women were provided with safe and secure accommodation at any given time. Women per week received services through our Women’s Centre, Intake Service, or Outreach Program. Women were provided a service by our staff throughout the year. This is a 24% increase from the previous year, and a 41% increase since 2021.
514
56 61
Women exited Catherine House into stable housing.
39% 49% 11% 18-34 35-54 55+
Women within the Department for Correctional Services were provided a service by Catherine House, including providing accommodation to 18 women.
Support provided
33% of new clients identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
We provided 298,944 hours of support to clients in 2024.
8 clients self-identified as LGBTQIA+
Over 62,000 meals and snacks were served to the women we support, thanks to our partnerships with local businesses and our wider community. We worked with 173 other agencies to ensure expert client support across all areas such as dental, legal, financial and allied health services. Our Case Workers held 36,043 sessions with clients, including case management and intensive support.We worked with women from across all of South Australia, from regional and remote areas to metropolitan Adelaide. The majority of clients listed their country of birth as Australia (89%) however, we have clients stating their country of birth from 31 other nations!
In 2024, the number of women we supported increased by 24%.
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holistic model of support
waitlist/intake support
mental health support
housing support
women’s centre
education
employment
crisis accomodation
long-term accomodation
food services
rental/bond assistance
drug & alcohol support
allied health support
wellbeing support
financial support
outreach support
Catherine House is so much more than a safe bed and a meal.
Impact Report 7
Waitlist Support Service
In 2024, Catherine House saw a substantial increase in demand for our services, with more women seeking support as a result of the ongoing housing crisis. In response to this growing need, we piloted a new service to better assist women on our waitlist. We were also pleased to welcome a new Case Worker to our Waitlist Support Service. Our new Case Worker provided outreach support, referrals to relevant services, and utilised brokerage funding to address specific needs, reducing hardship from homelessness and, where possible, preventing or shortening periods of housing instability.
brokerage Brokerage support can be provided through: • Food. • Bond/Rent. • Storage. • Children’s Needs. • Bills. • Vehicle Costs.
Clients have expressed that they felt safe and that the Waitlist Support Worker was easy to talk to.
in 2024 52
Medium / long-term housing outcomes. Women moved into Catherine House. Women supported to attend rehabilitation or detox programs. Women were provided mobile phones. Referrals were made to 41 referral partners.
5 4 3
Women supported through our Waitlist Support Service. Clients referred to the SA Dental Homelessness and Oral Health Program.
16 11
Personal alarms provided.
5 5
3 22
Housing applications submitted. Women recieved glasses through Health Partners.
Women accessed brokerage in 2024.
20
Women are also supported through the provision of toiletries and personal care items. This is particularly important for women who may be sleeping rough.
THIS INNOVATIVE SERVICE WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LANG FAMILY FOUNDATION. Their continued commitment to Catherine House has played a crucial role in ensuring women can be supported through what is often their greatest times of need.
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intake Service
in 2024 735 1k+
women reached out to our Intake Service at least once.
people downloaded our online referral form.
1
staff member
This is a 36% increase in women making enquiries. Showing higher demand for our service since 2024, due to the rising cost of living and worsening housing crisis.
OPERATES THE CATHERINE HOUSE INTAKE SERVICE.
I thought going to Catherine House was the worst day of my life, but it was actually the best day of my life. – CATHERINE HOUSE CLIENT
2,728 8-12 60% +
PEOPLE VISITED THE “NEED HELP” PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE.
WEEKS IS THE AVERAGE WAIT TIME BEFORE A BEDROOM IS AVAILABLE.
OF WOMEN COME TO US AS A RESULT OF DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE.
We were unable to meet the accomodation needs of 82% OF WOMEN WHO CALLED US. This was primarily due to no vacancies, or not meeting eligibility requirements.
AT ANY GIVEN TIME there are approx 35-45 women on our waitlist.
Impact Report 9
women’s centre
ACTIVITIES WE OFFER AT THE WOMEN’S CENTRE • Meditation & mindfulness. • Yoga & stretching. • Art & music courses. • ESL tutoring. • Individual mentoring for public speaking. • Financial Literacy workshops. • Computer & IT skills. • Physical fitness classes. • ‘Staying Safe’ workshops. I’m grateful for the safe and wonderful space at the Women’s Centre. I can be myself, I can make friends, learn a new skill or improve other skills. The staff are extremely supportive, and have helped me through my tough days! – WOMEN’S CENTRE CLIENT
in 2024 449 2,721 93
Activities were held.
Individual attendances. Clients attended ACE Courses (Adult Community Education).
ESTABLISHED IN 2006, THE CATHERINE HOUSE WOMEN’S CENTRE PROVIDES A SAFE SPACE WHERE WOMEN CAN LEARN, FIND FRIENDSHIPS AND ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THEIR HEALTH, WELLBEING, CONFIDENCE AND OVERALL RECOVERY. The Women’s Centre features a kitchen, computer room, outdoor gardens and a large multi-purpose room. It creates a positive atmosphere that encourages women to take healthy ‘risks’, to try something new, extend their vision of what is possible for them, and build their confidence and self-belief.
I learned lots of new skills during the course. I also identified some skills I didn’t know I had. The course punctuated my week with something of my own that I looked forward to doing and sharing with the group. – WOMEN’S CENTRE CLIENT
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education & employment
100% of our participants
in the Live your best life & plan for your future course said they were “very satisfied”
client goals
• Complete University Foundation course. • Obtain driver’s licence. • Perform volunteer work. • Purchase a car. • Find paid employment. • Perform public speaking. • Gain custody of children.
OUR EDUCATION SERVICES DEVELOP SKILLS SUCH AS LITERACY, NUMERACY, COMMUNICATION, CRITICAL THINKING AND JOB SEEKING. Our life-changing course, Live Your Best Life & Plan for Your Future , enables women who have experienced trauma to learn that their voice matters. They build confidence and personal power to make decisions that will assist them to plan for a more positive future.
in 2024 51
Clients worked towards education, employment or volunteering opportunities. Clients received laptops for education or employment purposes.
10
Sharon, I cannot thank you enough, you are amazing, as are my class members. I’ve learned so much and feel incredibly blessed to have participated in the Live Your Best Life & Plan for Your Future course. The confidence, skills, empowerment, assertiveness and balanced self-determinism I have developed
34 MumKIND Education grants. 35 Lyn Sarah Education Fund grants. 15 Employment and Education Partners. 1 Kym Adey UniSA scholarship awarded.
blows my mind, almost euphoric! – LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE, & PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE PARTICIPANT
Impact Report 11
kitchen program
At Catherine House, it is a priority for us to provide our clients with fresh, nutritious food. Ensuring women have access to good quality food is so valuable for their mental and physical health as well as their overall wellbeing. Your generous support of our Kitchen Program has helped us achieve the following outcomes:
in 2024, we provided 62,000 Meals & snacks.
5,538 Litres of milk.
1,320 Kilograms of meat.
678 Kilograms of fruit & vegetables.
Our Crisis Accommodation cook Trinity, putting together a delicious meal.
435 Kilograms of yoghurt.
200 Frozen meals.
food support 60 71 120
Clients were able to collect fresh fruit and vegetables. Clients recieved a dry food hamper. Outreach clients received collections of food.
Festive Season Each year the Adelaide Central Market stall holders support the festive season through supplying an array of South Australian fresh food and produce. In 2024 more than 60 women experienced a very special traditional Christmas Day Lunch.
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Adelaide Central Market Each month the Adelaide Central Market supports our kitchens through the donation of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Community Garden Women are invited to plant, tend, and pick fresh vegetables and herbs in the Catherine House Community Garden to incorporate into meals. Women at Catherine House are provided with nutritious meals made with love and a menu that changes each day. All dietary requirements are catered to, with meals ranging across various cuisines and cultures. New Client Kitchen Workshop We are thrilled to announce a new program for clients coming very soon. Women who identify particular goals and interests in cooking will be offered the opportunity to develop these skills whilst at Catherine House. Clients who wish to participate will be provided access to Food Safety courses and experience working alongside Trinity in the Crisis Accommodation Kitchen. Thank you, Catherine House, for the opportunity to see first-hand the dedication and genuine passion your team provides on a daily basis. It was both humbling and inspiring. The world needs more Catherine Houses! – CATHERINE HOUSE PARTNER
Our Food Partnerships
Impact Report 13
additional support
I could not comprehend the level of support I received when moving out of Catherine House after securing a home of my own. I was assisted with removalists, and Catherine House was incredibly generous with boxes, homewares, food hampers, sheets, towels and all those things that you need when you’re setting up a home. – CATHERINE HOUSE CLIENT
41
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Moving On Packs provided to clients moving into their own accommodation, including toasters, kettles, cutlery, bedding and cleaning goods. wyatt trust grants provided to clients exiting Catherine House, to provide them with white goods and furniture in their new homes. gift cards provided to clients to assist with access to everyday items such as clothing and shoes. monthly product orders provided to clients, containing necessities such as toiletries and personal care items.
laptops provided to clients, loaded with Microsoft software. Donated by SA Power Networks, Sarah Construction, and Electranet. mobile phones provided to clients, purchased using client brokerage funds, and some donated by individuals and DV Safe Phones. food support vouchers provided to clients to ease the burden of rising household food costs.
21
35
232
75
500
251
christmas support items
including giftbags for women, their children and grandchildren, food hampers and gift vouchers.
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My first night at Catherine House was filled with many emotions. I remember when I walked through those doors for the first time, such a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt safe for the first time in years. There was no judgment from the staff and everyone was friendly. It was such a good feeling and all of my nerves about being there just disappeared on the spot. I remember going back to my room that first night and I really liked that everyone had their own rooms and we could lock the door if we wanted to and we each had our own space. After being homeless for six months, this was a relief. I just knew that I was going to be okay.
– catherine house Client
catherine house is my safe place. It is warm, friendly and a welcoming environment. I feel this every time I walk through the door. On days when I am feeling a bit down, lonely or isolated it is comforting to know that there is a safe and familiar place for me to go; even if it’s just for a coffee and a chat. – catherine house Client It’s hard to describe what a special and unique place catherine house is, but you can feel it the moment you walk through the door. There is a certain energy created by the thousands of women from all walks of life who have gone to Catherine House and rebuilt their lives. Women who have lost everything are given the time and space to build confidence, see their potential and look to the future.
– catherine house Client
Impact Report 15
Advocacy impact
Using Our Voice to Educate and Make Change In 2024, our team made significant strides in raising awareness for women experiencing homelessness through their speaking engagements. Catherine House staff participated in over 120 public speaking engagements, their voices reaching diverse audiences, highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable women. These engagements have proven essential in fostering understanding, advocating for change, and empowering communities to take action toward providing support and resources for women in need.
In 2024, Catherine House made a significant impact through lived experience advocacy. 31 clients participated in 88 opportunities to share their stories and highlight the challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness. These advocacy efforts allowed clients to speak about the issues surrounding homelessness while sharing the positive changes in their lives thanks to Catherine House’s support. This work has been essential in raising awareness, informing policy discussions, and demonstrating the power of lived experience in shaping public perception and decision-making. Catherine House staff, alongside clients, have also played a crucial role in educating stakeholders on the systemic issues of homelessness, including participating in forums like the Lord Mayor Round Table. This advocacy work is an integral part of our organsation, with Case Workers dedicating 60-70% of their time to advocacy efforts.
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I was given the empowering experience of sharing my personal story with an audience of like-minded women passionate about our equality and empowerment. – catherine house client
Impact Report 17
Mobilise Partnership
Financial pressures Women experiencing homelessness are not simply without a home. Obstacles faced can include: • Previous financial abuse. • Gender pay gap. • Less superannuation due to parental leave. • Fewer working hours due to parental duties. Mobilise Pay will mean a brighter future for women and their children.
Referral Count
In 2024, Catherine House and We Are Mobilise partnered together to give greater support to women in need. This partnership is the first of its kind in South Australia and provided support to 25 clients and their families. Catherine House & We Are Mobilise Impact Women who have left Catherine House have received financial assistance through the Kickstarter and Mobilise Pay programs. These programs have provided women with the opportunity to strengthen their financial independence as they continue their journey out of homelessness. Working in partnership with We Are Mobilise allows the flexibility to access funding based on each woman’s unique set of needs and circumstances and aligns with Catherine House’s recovery-oriented focus. This tailored approach allows women to exercise choice and control, which is an important part of their recovery journey.
Program
Total Spend
Kickstarter
22 $50,834.70
Mobilise Pay
3 $9,195.00
Total
25 $60,029.70
25 women recieved a total of $60,029.
3 clients were approved Mobilise Pay Grants to the value of $10,000 each.
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Impact Report 19
Uniting to build the next chapter of Catherine House
Jaylee Cooper Manager of Philanthropy & Engagement Jayleec@catherinehouse.org.au 0403 322 703 For a confidential discussion or to chat further about the project, please contact
We are now looking for individuals and organsiations to support the New Generation Catherine House.
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Supporting women experiencing homelessness Supporting women experiencing homelessness
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