Supporting women experiencing homelessness
Annual report 2024–25
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.
(08) 8232 2282 PO Box 6031 Halifax Street Adelaide SA 5000
ABN 32 944 754 177 catherinehouse.org.au @catherinehouseadl reception@catherinehouse.org.au
This annual report was published in December 2025
Contents
17 12 11 09 10 04 05 06 22 20 18 26 24
43 41 38 34 35 28 48 50 52 54 46 44
Our History
The Power of Giving
Our Patron
Major Philanthropic Supporters
About Catherine House
Our People
Coming Together To Do More For Women
Recognition Awards
Governance & Leadership
Brokerage Support Program
Leadership Team
Catherine House Women’s Centre
Accreditation & Quality
Pathways to Possibilities
Our Impact
Creating Comfort and Nourishment
From Our Director
Using Our Voices to Create Change
The Women We Support
A New Generation for South Australian Women
Supported Accommodation Services
Financial Statements
Mental Health Programs
Our Supporters
Client Voices
3 | Annual Review
Our history
Catherine House was founded in 1988 by the Sisters of Mercy to address an unmet need for women experiencing homelessness in South Australia. Originally supported by the South Australian Housing Trust and the City of Adelaide, Catherine House opened with just 12 rooms. At Catherine House, we honour our long-standing connection to the Mercy tradition, inspired by the life and legacy of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Named in her honour, our organisation carries forward her vision of compassion, dignity, and justice for women experiencing homelessness. Catherine McAuley’s unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of the vulnerable continues to guide our mission today. Her belief in practical mercy — offering shelter, education, and support — remains at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to uphold this legacy, working alongside our community to create pathways toward hope, healing and a positive future for women who access our service in crisis.
Mercy International Centre Dublin, Ireland
4 | Catherine House
Our patron Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor As our Patron, the Governor actively champions the work of Catherine House, lending her influence to raise awareness and celebrate the efforts of those working to end women’s homelessness. Her Excellency has hosted events such as the Catherine House Recognition and Awards Ceremony, at Government House, acknowledging outstanding contributions from community members and partners. The Governor actively promotes the importance of collaboration and advocacy in addressing homelessness and empowering women to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. of South Australia, serves as the patron of Catherine House.
Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia
5 | Annual Report
About 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. 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 homelessness.
Our Support Services
Mental Health Support
Health Services
Counselling Services
Wellbeing & Personal Development
Legal & Financial Advice
NDIS Support
6 | Catherine House
Waitlist Support Service Support provided to women on our waitlist to minimise the impact of or prevent homelessness.
Crisis Accommodation Service A safe and secure place where women work together with their case worker to secure housing.
Supported Bail Program Partnership with the Department for Correctional Services to provide supported accommodation for women on bail.
Catherine House is so much more than a safe bed and a meal
Mental Health Programs Supported accommodation for women experiencing homelessness with a diagnosed mental health condition.
Women’s Centre A wellbeing space
Education and Employment Skill development, resume support, tutoring, opportunities to access TAFE, WEA and university.
Outreach Support Additional support for women leaving Catherine House, supporting their transition to living independently.
designed for women to engage in various courses and activities.
7 | Annual Report
8 | Catherine House
Coming together to do more for women Catherine house & housing choices
Catherine House became part of the Housing Choices Australia Group following a merger in 2021, reflecting a shared commitment to doing more together for women experiencing homelessness. As a subsidiary, Catherine House Inc aligns to Housing Choices Australia’s governance framework that ensures strong oversight, transparency and compliance across the group. Housing Choices supports the continued growth and impact of Catherine House through organisational capability and strong internal governance delivered through Housing Choices’ National Supportive Services Directorate. Being part of the Housing Choices Australia Group means: • Stronger housing pathways access to a broader range of long-term social and affordable housing. • Greater stability and sustainability shared governance, financial strength, systems and risk management that support service delivery. • Maintained specialisation Catherine House retains its strong brand, identity, values and specialist focus on supporting women. For more about the Housing Choices Group, a link to the Group Annual Report is here.
9 | Annual Report
Governance & Leadership
From the Chair Simeon Goldenberg Housing Choices Australia (Housing Choices) has been shaped by a purpose-driven history - one defined by collaboration, innovation, and a belief that a home is the foundation for building a life. This year reaffirmed the importance of that legacy. With Australia experiencing an unprecedented housing and cost-of- living crisis, expanding the supply of affordable housing is vital to support communities and provide stability for those most in need. Housing Choices is stepping up to play its role in responding to the crisis, investing significantly in the organisation through reorganising service delivery, and introducing new systems and capabilities to ensure we are ready to respond at pace and scale. Our focus has remained firmly on delivering high-quality housing and services that support people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a fairer and more inclusive Australia. As you read this report, you will see that Catherine House, our specialised accommodation and support
broaden the range of services, the project reflects Housing Choices’ commitment to investing in specialist housing solutions and delivering impact at scale. It demonstrates the value of strong partnerships and a shared determination to address women’s homelessness in South Australia. This is a once-in-a-generation transformation and a new model that, over time, can be replicated in other parts of Australia. The past year has also been the most successful fundraising year in Catherine House’s history, with the South Australian community strongly embracing the vision for a New Generation Catherine House while continuing to provide significant support for day-to-day operations. The Board and Executive team of Housing Choices are grateful for the trust placed in us by Catherine House donors, supporters and project partners, and we look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
service for women experiencing homelessness, continues to go from strength to strength, supported by our dedicated on-the-ground teams within Housing Choices’ National Supportive Services Directorate, which delivers specialist housing programs across the country. This year, Housing Choices placed a strong strategic focus on Catherine House, translating our 2021 merger objective of doing more together for women into meaningful action. Working with government, community, industry and philanthropic partners, we secured significant grant funding for the New Generation Catherine House project and launched the Build Her Up fundraising campaign to support the building project. Due for completion in early 2027, the $36 million development will deliver 52 fully self-contained apartments and a dedicated Women’s Centre to support women experiencing homelessness,
HCA Board Members
Board Chair Simeone Goldenberg
Non-Executive Director Kathryn Brown
Non-Executive Director Drew Beswick
Non-Executive Director Chris Leishman
Non-Executive Director Rebecca Strom
Non-Executive Director David Lantzke
Non-Executive Director Matt Raison
Non-Executive Director Katrina Smithson
family violence, and trauma. Designed to strengthen our accommodation offering and
10 | Catherine House
Leadership team
Julie Duncan A passionate advocate for finding people homes and supporting people to keep a home and build a future, Julie has led Catherine House for the past 5 years. With a focus on securing long-term operational sustainability and a deep commitment to delivering more for women, Julie is currently overseeing the transformation to New Generation Catherine House – a flagship project re-imagining the delivery of accommodation and support for women experiencing homelessness in South Australia. As the National Director of Supportive Services in the Housing Choices Group, Julie leads the supportive housing responses for the Group, including Common Ground Adelaide, supportive housing programs in Western Australia, and a National Tenancy Support Service. Prior to this, for nearly a decade, Julie was the General Manager of Housing Choices South Australia, overseeing two mergers, a social housing stock management transfer, and portfolio expansion from 192 properties to over 1,100 properties. Connecting homelessness responses to housing solutions is a driving passion. Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Certificate in Housing
Management and Policy, a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, and a Graduate Certificate in Business Management. Deirdre Flynn Deirdre’s personal values of social justice, integrity, and authenticity, along with her compassionate, reflective mindset, continue to provide the impetus to create change and opportunity for women not adequately supported and protected by society. In her current role as Manager of Client Services at Catherine House, Deirdre has been able to influence the standards and ethos of all client services, creating a culture where clients are able to understand their past in ways that reveal their strengths, skills, and purpose for their future, enabling new meaning to be made of and in their lives. Over a 20-year career, Deirdre has held key leadership roles in organisational oversight, service design, strategic and operational work, WHS, quality, risk management, and recruitment. Deirdre holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Social Work, and an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.
L–R: Jaylee Cooper, Julie Duncan, Deirdre Flynn
Jaylee Cooper Jaylee has worked in the not-for-profit sector for more than 20 years and has a deep passion to make a difference in the community. Working across both small and large not-for-profits in South Australia, she has a deep understanding of the ongoing challenges charities face, particularly in the areas of day-to-day operations, finance, risk management, funding, and brand management.
She believes in the importance of having a strategic approach that aims to include positive government and supporter relationships, staff and volunteer satisfaction, financial and risk management, best practice fundraising, sustainability, and, importantly, growth. Jaylee is a fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation.
11 | Annual Report
Accreditation & Quality Quality Accreditation Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) assessment In June 2025, Catherine House successfully completed our triennial for improvement, as we continue to strengthen our quality and continuous improvement approach. The ASES report highlighted the following strengths: Management
Service Excellence Certificate
• Skilled and experienced in their field • Committed to residents/clients having a voice/choice • Valued partnerships and strong relationships with partners • Teamwork across and within Catherine House • Collaboration across teams and with community partners • Respected and valued partner with others in health, housing and other community services Service & Consumer Outcomes • Respectful, compassionate relationships with clients / residents • Values underpin client and resident led partnership • Innovation, listening and evaluation, leading to positive outcomes • Responsive, flexible and agile to meet holistic client and resident needs • Support, referrals and collaboration to enable clients/residents to be better able to achieve their goals • Stories of success well documented and used for recognition and reporting of outcomes
• Recording and sharing of service and program impacts and outcomes well embedded Stakeholder and client feedback on service delivery • Respected and valued partners • Clients are treated with dignity and respect • Staff think outside the box • Workers are very responsive, open to feedback, and transparent • Staff operate from a trauma informed and client centred base • CH clients tell potential clients “CH can be trusted, no judgement and respectful” • The staff are skilled, compassionate and very patient, adjusting decisions based on clients’ needs • Go above and beyond, proactive in addressing issues, not a crisis response • Communication is excellent with partners and funders • Are clear about what they can and can’t provide • Deliver great outcomes, just need greater capacity to be able to do more
• Vision, values, and purpose clear and aligned to practice, and consistent across all levels • A Board that is committed and proactive, ensuring good governance systems are in place and addressing and managing in a challenging and dynamic environment • Strong Executive and Senior Management, with clear roles, remaining committed and positive as the company learns, grows and transforms • A new Clinical Governance framework was implemented across Supportive Services • Use of internal business partners to enhance relationships and effectiveness across organisation • Strengthening Risk Management • Learning and sharing good practice across entities People, Partnership & Communication • Values driven, compassionate staff who go above and beyond
quality re-accreditation process with ASES, at Certificate level. Quality accreditation processes provide a framework to assist an organisation to develop and maintain best practice systems. Through this, we reviewed and updated our processes, procedures and policies, engaging with staff across the organisation. We submitted an evidence workbook and participated in four days of interviews across all levels of the organisation including Board, staff, stakeholders, clients and volunteers. The assessment process is an opportunity to showcase the work undertaken by our service delivery teams. While ASES is fundamentally a service delivery accreditation, the assessment considers the organisation from top to bottom, internal and external perspectives on our organisation, and the voices of our residents and clients. It was a team effort to complete the quality re-accreditation process. We received valuable feedback on the organisation, including opportunities
12 | Catherine House
Registrations, Licences and Memberships Catherine House Inc ABN: 32 944 754 177 Regulated as a charity under the Australian Charities and Not-for- profits Commission (ACNC) Consumer and Business Affairs – Registered Rooming House Proprietor – RHP 340037 Catherine House holds a specific licence that authorises us to conduct fundraising activities in South Australia. Licence “Section 6 and Section 7 Licence” granted under the Collection for Charitable Purposes Act 1939 (SA). This licence allows Catherine House to legally receive donations of money and goods, or to charge admission for charitable entertainment. Catherine House is an organisation member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia and is bound by the FIA Code of Conduct.
Memberships • South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services • Embolden • Community Centres SA • Shelter SA • Fundraising Institute Australia • Homelessness SA
Anne Nixon Manager Organisational Services
13 | Annual Report
The pillars that guide the Supportive Services clinical governance system
Clinical Governance Overview New Committee established to oversee Clinical Governance While clinical governance historically referred to a structured approach for maintaining and improving the quality of patient care within health systems, the term is now also used in human services beyond the health sector — with the same core goals: • Ensure high-quality care: Deliver services that meet established standards and are effective in meeting client needs. • Promote safety: Protect clients from harm and minimise risks associated with service delivery. • Enhance accountability: Ensure that services are delivered transparently and responsibly. Following a national restructure of Housing Choices operations, Catherine House is now situated within the Supportive Services Directorate of Housing Choices. The Directorate brings together a national suite of programs with responsibility for the delivery of services that support people to secure a home, sustain their housing, and build a life. This year saw the launch of our new Clinical Governance Committee for Supportive Services.
Resident Experience • There is a commitment to the best experience possible for every client or resident receiving Supportive Services (a person-centred, safe, effective and connected experience). Partnership with Clients • Organisational culture that values participation and voice of clients, residents and carers in decision making. • Client, resident and carer engagement are actively sought and supported to inform service provision, design and governance. • Strengthening the engagement and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, residents, carers, communities and ACCOs to achieve positive change and improved outcomes. Staff • Staff are supported with access to training and support that ensures a skilled and competent workforce. • Staff are encouraged by leaders to raise concerns about practice and approaches to service delivery, and the support experiences of clients, residents and carers.
Accountability • Roles, responsibilities and expectations for quality and safety are known and understood by the workforce, management and executive. • Policy and practice support accountable service delivery. • Risk is identified by all staff and acted upon. • An integrated incident management system supports a culture of effective response, learning and improvement. • Accurate reporting and review underpin a culture of transparent decision making. Continuous Improvement • Quality performance measures are collected, shared and used to inform decision-making and improvement in experience and service outcomes for clients, residents and carers. • Staff are supported to apply best practice in a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice through a clearly articulated professional supervision framework.
Staff in the directorate are now guided by a single co-ordinated clinical governance system that manages service risks, identifies continuous improvement opportunities, and promotes contemporary and best practice approaches in service delivery. Meeting quarterly, the committee connected services. They analyse and assess program data, and consider opportunities to build on staff training, leadership skills, organisational systems, processes and culture to achieve the best outcomes within the Supportive Services Directorate programs. The new clinical governance approach establishes a basis where quality systems components are connected to ensure a co-ordinated approach to accountable, person-centred, evidence-informed, culturally responsive services. oversees the delivery of safe, effective, person-centred and
14 | Catherine House
15 | Annual Report
16 | Catherine House
Our Impact
60 Women
932 Women contacted our Intake
106 Women
587 Women
provided with safe and secure accommodation at any given time.
supported through our Waitlist Support Service.
provided with a service by our staff throughout the year.
Service. An 81% increase from the 514 enquiries received in the 23/24 FY.
18 Women
11,745 37,814
2,120 Attendances
Hours of case work. Case sessions with clients.
exiting prison were provided accommodation through our Department of Corrections Bail Program.
to our Women’s Centre.
17 | Annual Report
From our Director Julie Duncan
support from the Lang Family Foundation, provided us with the incredible opportunity to do more for women in South Australia. The service has shone a light on the unmet needs of women on our waitlist and allowed us to deliver targeted and purposeful assistance to women navigating life without a safe place to live. The program has been very well received by women in need of assistance, and the impact is well documented through our 12 month summary report. Reflecting on what we have learned, the value of the interventions will be central to our service planning for next year and beyond. The biggest achievement in my year was announcing that we are building New Generation Catherine House. Since joining Housing Choices in 2021, securing the future sustainability of Catherine House has been central to our strategic planning, and New Generation Catherine House is the central pillar in that long-term sustainability strategy.
We have seen a 81% increase in demand this year, and despite the ever- growing unmet need, we have stayed focused, adapting where we can,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Catherine House Annual Report for 2024–2025. Since 1988, Catherine House has remained steadfast in its purpose: ending homelessness for every woman who walks through our doors. In the midst of what is increasingly shaping up to be a national women’s housing crisis, compounded by an unwavering growth in gendered violence, our work has never been more in demand, or essential. The past year has been filled with challenges, opportunity and achievements, and we trust our Annual Report reflects all of this and more. The demand for our services continues to rise, reflecting the national decline in housing affordability and growing income inequality impacting disproportionately on women. Over the year we have witnessed a dramatic increase in demand for support from women in crisis, women who cannot find or afford housing, and women who have lost their housing fleeing from domestic, family, or sexual violence.
We have seen a 81% increase in demand this year, and despite the ever-growing unmet need, we have stayed focused, adapting where we can, while continuing to deliver quality accommodation and support for every woman in our service. Throughout our Annual Report you will read about the many triumphs and powerful examples of how we support women at Catherine House. Preparing the Annual Report has been a truly collaborative effort, with contributions from across the team, highlighting work over the past year. Every statistic shared across these pages represents a woman’s journey – one marked by courage, recovery, and transformation. As the only dedicated women’s homelessness and recovery service in South Australia, our work is transformative, and we trust that this Annual Report demonstrates this impact, along with our deep commitment to providing care that is person-centred and trauma-informed. Catherine House services go beyond providing shelter; we offer education and employment pathways, health and
while continuing to deliver quality accommodation and support for every woman in our service.
wellbeing programs, and opportunities for community connection. Recovery needs much more than a meal and a bed for the night. In the face of growing demand for our services, the dedication of donors has not only ensured we can continue to provide our services but broaden them to further support more women and strengthen our impact. There has been no greater example of this than our newly created Waitlist Support Service. The additional waitlist support work we have delivered this past year, entirely as a result of philanthropic
18 | Catherine House
and that our Women’s Centre is a warm and welcoming community hub. New Generation Catherine House is our first capital project delivering more housing places for women in need of our support. The only way out of this national women’s housing crisis is more safe, secure, and affordable housing for women, and we want to play our part in that. As I reflect on the past year, it is truly a great privilege to be able to serve as a custodian of this wonderful organisation, and to contribute to shaping one chapter in the history of Catherine House. I look to the year ahead with great enthusiasm, and know that with our dedicated staff, and the support of our incredible community of donors, volunteers, funders and supporters, that Catherine House will continue to be a vibrant, welcoming place that cares for, advocates for, and empowers women.
The biggest achievement in my year was announcing that we are building New Generation Catherine House.
At long last, Catherine House will soon have a permanent, fully owned, and purpose-built home. Growing our capacity and moving away from the traditional shelter bed model of delivery, New Generation Catherine House will also offer fully self- contained accommodation for women during their stay with us. The project truly represents a once-in-a-generation transformation. Due to be delivered in 2027, the coming year will see us develop a new service delivery model to reflect the coming together of our 24/7 sites into a single operation. The Build Her Up campaign will continue to run throughout the next year, with a particular focus on securing philanthropic support for the furnishings and equipment, ensuring the accommodation is fully equipped
Julie Duncan Director Supportive Services
19 | Annual Report
the women we support Deirdre Flynn
We believe every woman is worthy, just as she is, and that she holds immense potential.
Centring the Women We Support
We respond with care that is intentional, holistic, and aspirational. We don’t just provide a warm bed and nutritious food — we offer a pathway. A way forward. A place to begin again. We believe every woman is worthy, just as she is, and that she holds immense potential. Our role is to create an environment that nurtures her potential, where she feels safe to rebuild, reconnect, and re-imagine her future. Our practice wisdom is steeped in history, shaped by 37 years of walking with women as they move from surviving to thriving. We work at their pace, honouring their experiences, and supporting them to reconnect with education, employment, family, and most importantly, themselves. We make contagious the power of possibility. Our support is not transactional, it is transformational. We help women change their relationship with themselves, restoring dignity and rebuilding identity. Our care is healing, with boundaries. Our exchanges are honest, validating, and hopeful. We lead with compassion and fairness, always holding front of mind the privilege and responsibility we carry in this work.
Women who seek out and use our services are at the heart of all we do. They are in our planning, our strategy, our motivation, our advocacy, and our inspiration. Every decision we make, every partnership we form, and every service we deliver is shaped by their courage, needs, and lived experiences. At Catherine House, we are privileged to walk alongside women navigating some of life’s most complex and confronting challenges — homelessness, trauma, domestic, family and sexual violence, poverty, and mental health distress. We do not define women by their circumstances. They are defined by their strength, resilience, and determination to reclaim their lives.
The Impact of the Housing Crisis
A Personal Reflection on Homelessness This question became personal when I considered participating in a homelessness awareness challenge for a partner organisation, sleeping in my car for ten days. I imagined the logistics: where to park, how to stay safe, how to maintain dignity, where to keep my clothes, how to turn up to work as normal, so that nobody was aware I was living out of my car. The thought of it was overwhelming. Living it would be a hundred times worse. That reflection still stays with me. Because the truth is, you cannot exist without a home. Without it, shame and fear take root. And yet, this is the reality for so many women we support. I am still left with a mix of feelings – mostly that I had not been prepared to do this, and what did that mean.
Among the most pressing challenges is the housing crisis. This year, the urgency of our mission deepened. The housing crisis in South Australia continues to escalate, disproportionately affecting women and children. The wait for safe, permanent housing is long and uncertain. And while we wait — for homes to be built, for systems to respond, for policies to shift — the cost is borne by those with the least to give. Society expects women to survive impossible situations. To heal from violence without the stability of a home. To remain employed and to meet education commitments without a home. To stay well, physically and mentally, and to remain connected to family and friends — without a home. With all my knowledge of the housing system, I wonder if I could navigate it, if I were in need.
Our Holistic Response to Emerging Needs
We are a service that listens and responds to the changing needs of women in our community. Needs shaped by the escalating housing crisis, the rising cost of living, and the increasing demand for mental health support.
20 | Catherine House
But we cannot do this alone, and this year again we were buoyed by the collective action of our community of stakeholders who, with compassion, support our work, share our message, and stand with women. Our Commitment Moving Forward Looking forward, our purpose remains clear. The women we support are the reason we exist. Their strength, resilience and courage inspires us daily. We will continue to respond, evolve, and advocate for all women to have a safe place to call home, and the opportunity to live a life of dignity, connection, hope and courage.
You cannot exist without a home. Without it, shame and fear take root. And yet, this is the reality for so many women we support.
Addressing the Rise in Mental Health Needs As we respond to crisis, we also recognise the growing complexity of women’s needs. We are seeing a significant increase in the number of women seeking support for mental health challenges. The trauma of homelessness, compounded by violence and poverty, often leaves women feeling isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed. Our response has been to expand partnerships and service offerings, provide women with more opportunities to be linked with the support they need, and the brokerage to remove financial barriers to achieving key goals to keep them moving forward. Our focus is to ensure that every woman who walks through our doors is met with understanding, patience, and professional support.
Advocacy and Systemic Change
and Sexual Violence. These sessions were raw, honest, and necessary. They reminded us that meaningful reform begins with listening, and women must be central to the solutions we create. Through these platforms and our ongoing public education about women’s experiences of homelessness, we continue to challenge the misconception that homelessness stems from personal failure. We educate the community that it is the result of intersecting systemic issues — violence, poverty, mental health, and critically, the failure of housing policy over decades. It is vital that the women we support understand this truth: you are not homeless because you failed. Creating Change Catherine House is more than a service — it is a movement toward justice, dignity, and equity for women.
Beyond direct support, we advocate for systemic change. Our advocacy work is central to our mission. This year, the ‘What Women Hold’ exhibition was held — a powerful collaboration with the Art Bus and over 20 women supported by Catherine House. Through painting, textiles, and installation, women shared stories of trauma, resilience, and recovery. The exhibition was not just a showcase; it was a call to action. It invited the public to see the real faces and voices behind homelessness and challenged the community to understand its causes and consequences. We also convened listening sessions as part of the South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family
Deirdre Flynn Manager Client Services
21 | Annual Report
Supported Accommodation Services
Intake Service The Intake Service at Catherine House is a vital first point of contact for women in crisis. It goes beyond answering calls — it involves compassionate listening, validation, and providing practical strategies and referrals to support women’s immediate needs. Staff respond with patience and empathy, fostering safety and trust through trauma-informed, person-centred care. Despite our commitment, rising demand has strained our capacity. In the last financial year, we were only able to answer 50% of calls to the intake line. This highlights both the growing need in the community and the emotional toll on staff who strive to offer meaningful support. When women reach us, their relief is palpable. We respond with understanding and without judgment, even when we cannot immediately offer accommodation. With only limited rooms available, intake workers often guide callers to alternative services and assist with referrals.
Waitlist Support Service In response to overwhelming demand and limited physical capacity, Catherine House, with financial funding from the Lang Family Foundation, launched the Waitlist Support Service — an extension of our support services. This initiative brings support directly to women who are experiencing homelessness, at risk, or unsafe in their current housing. Women who have completed intake, or are referred by other organisations, are assigned a case worker. Together, they explore needs, goals, and pathways to secure or maintain housing. The service also offers practical assistance, financial support, and brokerage for rent or mortgage relief to prevent homelessness.
Crisis Accommodation Our Crisis Accommodation Service offers 24/7 support to 20 women in a communal residential setting. It is a place of safety, rest, and renewal. Staff provide holistic, trauma-informed care, helping women rebuild hope and envision a future beyond crisis. Each resident is assigned a case worker who supports them in achieving personal goals, including securing long-term housing. In addition to accommodation, women access a range of in-reach services such as: • Centrelink liaison (fortnightly). • Drug and Alcohol Support Service (DASSA) clinician (twice weekly). • JusticeNet legal support (weekly). • Financial and general counselling (as needed). Many women at Catherine House have experienced significant trauma, often resulting in mental health challenges or substance dependency. Our services are designed to be responsive and supportive, offering access to counselling, treatment referrals, and advocacy.
A high proportion of clients have experienced domestic, family, or sexual violence, either recently or earlier in life. Our integrated support model helps women navigate these complex experiences in a safe and empowering environment. Many women report feeling safe for the first time in years, often sleeping peacefully after prolonged fear and instability. Catherine House becomes a foundation for recovery, affirming each woman’s worth and potential.
Catherine House becomes a foundation for recovery, affirming each woman’s worth and potential.
With thanks to the Lang Family Foundation for supporting our Waitlist Support Service.
22 | Catherine House
Transitional and Post- Accommodation Support Upon leaving Catherine House, women receive a “moving-on pack” with essentials to help set up their new home. Additional financial support is provided through: • The Wyatt Trust – furniture purchases. • We Are Mobilise – covering up to three months’ rent. An outreach case worker continues to support women during this transition, ensuring they have the best chance to succeed in their new environment. Department for Correctional Services – Bail Program In partnership with the Department for Correctional Services, Catherine House offers a Bail Program for women exiting Adelaide Women’s Prison. The program includes: • 4 live-in places within our accommodation service. • 24/7 support. • 3 months of outreach support. Each participant is assigned a case worker who helps women work toward goals in housing, wellbeing, legal
matters, relationships, education, employment, and community connection. This program offers a transformative opportunity for women to rebuild their lives. Outreach Service Our Outreach Service supports women transitioning from Catherine House into community housing, including eight nearby units managed by Unity Housing. Eligible clients receive short-term outreach support to help establish stable tenancies and connect with their new communities. Case workers collaborate with women to develop personalised goal plans, continuing progress made during their stay at Catherine House and supporting long-term success.
Cristy Pamment Team Leader Supported Accommodation Services
23 | Annual Report
Mental health programs
Goals are unique to each individual woman, in areas including: • Improving mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. • Developing and maintaining independent living skills, self-esteem and capacity for personal decision making. • Securing long-term independent housing and capacity to successfully • Participating in social and community-based activities. The Recovery Program provides women with an environment to regain the essential need of safety and security, and the opportunity to flourish in areas they identify are important to them. The program supports the empowerment of its residents by providing women the opportunity to regularly participate in client-led consultations, and to share their recovery journey in Catherine House publications as part of the education and awareness-raising advocacy work done by the organisation. maintain a housing tenancy. • Education and employment opportunities.
Client advocacy plays an essential role in supporting women at the Recovery Program. Case workers work to break down systemic barriers commonly experienced by women living with mental health diagnoses and advocate on behalf of women to gain access to vital services to improve their wellbeing in a range of areas. Women are also supported to develop their capacity to self-advocate, in turn increasing their independence and self-agency towards more positive long-term life outcomes. The Recovery Program continues to strengthen collaborative relationships with a range of external organisations and agencies to ensure women have access to essential services and supports. The Recovery Program is a key part of many successful client outcomes and achievements. Some recovery goals we have supported include: • Developing healthy boundary setting skills to improve interpersonal relationships and self-worth. • Travelling interstate to visit and reconnect with family. • Completing a range of educational and personal development courses. • Reunification with children.
The Recovery Program provides women with an environment to regain the essential need of safety and security, and the opportunity to flourish in areas they identify are important to them.
Recovery Program Our Recovery Program is a unique service that provides individualised support and medium-term transitional accommodation for women experiencing homelessness, or unsustainable housing, who are living with a diagnosed mental health illness and complex needs. The Recovery Program provides 24/7 support to up to 12 women at a time, in a congregate residential setting for seven women, with five additional single, independent living cottages. Each woman at the Recovery Program is allocated a case worker who implements person-centred, trauma- informed practice principles. Case workers work alongside women to identify their recovery-based goals.
• Living a life free from alcohol and substances. • Securing voluntary and paid employment.
• Engaging in trauma counselling and other therapies to develop strategies to manage and improve mental health. In the last 12 months, the Recovery Program provided supported accommodation to 20 women, and 11 women received outreach support. Five women exited the program, with all five exiting into stable, secure housing.
24 | Catherine House
Empowering Independence and Advocacy Over the past year, staff have continued to play an active role in advocating for residents during GP and specialist appointments, while also fostering each woman’s confidence and capacity to self-advocate. This balanced approach has supported residents to take greater ownership of their health and wellbeing, building important life skills for ongoing independence. Residents have made significant strides in developing their autonomy and community participation. Several women have successfully commenced volunteering roles within the community, supported by staff to build confidence in navigating public transport and other aspects of daily life.
There have been many inspiring achievements throughout the year – women managing interstate travel, performing live music, and navigating personal relationships with increasing confidence and resilience. Staff have continued to provide compassionate guidance as residents work through challenging decisions and transitions. In the past financial year, the program delivered 468 hours of community access and participation support. The Permanent Supported Accommodation Program continues to demonstrate strong outcomes in promoting independence, inclusion and wellbeing for women living with complex mental health, so that they can live their best life, their way.
Permanent Supported Accommodation Program Our Permanent Supported Accommodation Program is a distinctive service providing long-term housing in a congregate setting and tailored support to women who are participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and living with mental health diagnoses. Each woman presents with unique abilities, goals, and support needs, and the program is designed to enhance their capacity for independent living within a safe and trauma- informed environment. This is a 24/7 program dedicated to maintaining a secure and stable home for all residents.
Community Voice and Resident Engagement Regular consultation ensures that women have meaningful input into matters that affect their lives, from program improvements to community activities. The twice-yearly satisfaction surveys continue to yield consistently positive results, reflecting residents’ confidence in the support they receive and their appreciation for being heard. This year, clients provided thoughtful and enthusiastic feedback on the New Generation Catherine House building. Their insights have helped guide the evolution of services, ensuring that future programs continue to meet the diverse needs of women living with mental health challenges.
Residents have made significant strides in developing
Darlene O’Leary Team Leader Mental Health Programs
their autonomy and community participation.
25 | Annual Report
Client Voices
My first night at Catherine House was filled with many emotions. I remember when I walked through those doors for the very first time, such a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt safe for the first time in years.
Catherine House gave me the opportunity to start my life over again.
Photography credit: Dean Martin
26 | Catherine House
I’ve been able to focus on myself through Catherine House, focus on what’s important to me. Getting more permanent housing, getting a full-time job, getting my children back.
I count my blessings that I was accepted into Catherine House. The support and guidance offered at a very vulnerable time was immensely appreciated. I felt supported in everything I needed and wanted to achieve. Then came the biggest blessing of all, they found me my forever home, a brand- new apartment in the city through Housing Choices, and I couldn’t be happier.
I really thought that walking through the doors of Catherine House was going to be the worst day of my life. But really, it was the best day of my life.
When I arrived at my room, I was really overwhelmed.
Just having a safe space. Just a room. Somewhere that I could lay my body down, put my head, and know that I didn’t have to be on high alert.
27 | Annual Report
The Power of Giving How Community Support Transforms Lives – Jaylee Cooper
Donor Support Our donor community is the heartbeat of everything we do. Thousands of generous individuals have stood with us — through one-off gifts, ongoing support via our Heart of Gold program, and lasting legacies through our Gift in Wills initiative. Every contribution is more than a donation; it is an act of hope and solidarity that keeps our doors open and our programs growing. Because of this unwavering generosity, women in crisis can find safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Together, we are not just funding services — we are changing futures. Corporate and Community Partnerships We are proud to have partnered with a growing number of corporate supporters who not only contribute financially, but also engage their teams in volunteering and awareness-raising activities. These partnerships have brought vital resources and visibility to our work, and we thank each organisation for their commitment to social impact.
We are deeply grateful for the diverse areas of support provided by our corporate community, including: • Structured giving partnerships • Corporate donations • Workplace fundraising and giving • In-kind support through donated goods and service delivery • Knowledge sharing and professional expertise Thank you for your steadfast commitment to improving the lives of women experiencing homelessness and for joining us in creating a future where every woman has a safe place to call home.
Photography credit: Trim Photography
The 2024-25 financial year has been another remarkable period of generosity, community spirit, and shared commitment to supporting women experiencing homelessness. Catherine House is deeply grateful for the unwavering support received from individuals, businesses, fundraisers, community ambassadors, schools and the wider community, who all ensure we can provide our services. We simply could not open our doors without it.
Community Fundraising From morning teas to marathon runs, trivia nights to art auctions, our community fundraisers have been both creative and impactful. These grassroots efforts not only raised essential funds but also helped spread awareness of homelessness and the work of Catherine House across South Australia. On average, two fundraisers were held every weekend across South Australia supporting Catherine House!
28 | Catherine House
Community Ambassadors
Major Media Fundraising Campaigns
Triple M’s Hike for Hope inspired local businesses and the community to not only walk 30 kilometres, but also to take action by raising critical funds to support our Crisis Accommodation Service, with a record-breaking amount raised in their five-year history of Hike for Hope.
Community generosity shone through our friends in the media. The Advertiser Sunday Mail Foundation Blanket Appeal provided warmth and comfort during the coldest months, while FiveAA’s Undie Drive raised funds to support the purchase of new underwear and bras for women arriving at Catherine House.
The Catherine House Community Ambassador Program continues to be a powerful force for change, amplifying our message and extending our reach across South Australia. This year, 40 ambassadors have played a vital role in raising awareness, generating funds, and fostering meaningful conversations about homelessness and the experiences of women in crisis.
School and Education Program
The Catherine House School and Education Program continues to engage young people across South Australia in meaningful conversations about homelessness, social justice, and community responsibility. Throughout the year, we partnered with a growing number of schools to deliver presentations, workshops, and fundraising initiatives. These sessions not only educated students about the realities faced by women experiencing homelessness but also empowered them to become advocates for change. The program is a proven catalyst for long-term engagement, inspiring the next generation to take action and build a more compassionate society. We are excited to continue expanding this in the coming year, deepening our impact and strengthening our connection with schools across SA.
Photography credit: Dean Martin
29 | Annual Report
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online