At a time when homelessness continues to rise in Western Australia, organisations like St Bart’s are doing vital work to meet the growing need. Doug was joined by their CEO, Samantha Drury, to discuss the services they provide and the challenges ahead.

More Than 60 Years of Service

“St Bart’s is nearly 63 years old,” said Samantha. “We started as a men’s shelter back in the ’60s.” Today, the organisation has expanded into a full-scale specialist homeless service. On any given day, they support between 500 to 600 people across Perth. Their work ranges from immediate crisis care to long-term housing support.

Helping People Reclaim Their Lives

St Bart’s focuses on helping individuals move from crisis to stability. “We help people that might be coming straight from the streets or insecure accommodation,” Samantha explained. “Our aim is to support them 24/7 so they can reclaim their lives.”

The organisation also runs mental health and psychosocial support programs for around 130 people across five to seven locations. Many of these sites offer round-the-clock care.

Aged Care for the Homeless

St Bart’s is also a specialist aged care provider for people experiencing homelessness. They offer residential care, home care, and a unique program called Care Finders.

“We were the first established in WA and have been doing that for quite some time,” Samantha said. “We’re also a registered social housing provider.”

Demand Is Greater Than Supply

Sadly, the growing demand for these services reflects a worsening problem. “On any one night there might be 1,100 people sleeping rough in Perth,” said Samantha. “And up to 11,000 across the state.”

While St Bart’s has a strong team behind it, the need far outweighs current resources. “It would be amazing if we could do ourselves out of a job,” Samantha added. “But I think we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

The Women’s Shelter Closure

One of the most pressing issues St Bart’s faces right now is the closure of a women’s shelter. “Seven or eight weeks ago, we were advised the contract wouldn’t be extended,” Samantha said. “We couldn’t secure a new building, so the service is closing.”

This change affects around 28 women, some of whom have been with the service for years. “For many, it’s the fear of starting with someone new. We’re working with government and other agencies to find beds before the service shuts on June 30.”

The Cost of Disruption

When stable accommodation disappears, even temporarily, the impact can be severe. “Being unsettled can hinder someone’s growth and send them back into a spiral. We could have had both sites open, and they would have been filled.”

Meeting Basic Needs First

Many who come to St Bart’s are dealing with trauma and practical barriers. “They may not have ID or a bank account. Some aren’t on the right supports,” Samantha explained. “They just need time to feel safe and breathe.”

St Bart’s adapts its services based on feedback from residents. For example, their breakfast program, supported by volunteers, offers not just food but dignity. “They get to have a café experience and reconnect with the community,” Sam added.

Accessing Services

People can access St Bart’s services in different ways, depending on their needs. “Some self-refer, while others come through hospitals or outreach teams,” Samantha explained. “Mental health accommodation requires a clinical referral, and aged care needs an assessment.” Their social housing is offered through the joint waitlist system.

Bridging the Gaps

Programs like Care Finders help people with complex needs navigate aged care. “It’s a small but vital program. And yes, people in our social housing can move into our aged care if they qualify.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, St Bart’s continues to grow. They’re working toward building a new 56-unit social housing site and an 80-bed specialist aged care facility. “There’s far more demand than there is supply,” Samantha concluded. “But we’re committed to growing and meeting the needs of our community.”

If you or someone you know needs help or wants to support St Bart’s, visit stbarts.org.au for more information.

Show Your Heart for the Homeless

This May, we’re partnering with organisations like St Bart’s to collect items to show our Heart for the Homeless. You can join by donating sleeping bags, backpacks, hygiene products and warm clothing to one of the drop-off points listed here. Collections close this Friday the 23rd of May.