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A home at St Bartholomew’s House
| Bart 2 and Bling stealing hearts at St Barts. |
St Barts is committed to eliminating or reducing homelessness and achieving positive life changes for its clients. They provide accommodation support to some 1500 individuals per year and endeavour to maintain their client’s personal life skills. Whilst housing affordability, unemployment levels and poor economic conditions increase the demand on St Bart’s services, most of their clients are extremely vulnerable, each with a unique story; the factors contributing to their homelessness often complex and interdependent.
The grant covered the cost of furnishings to accommodate people living with mental illnesses in self-contained units in Kelmscott and Middle Swan. It also went towards integrating and aligning the organisation’s IT systems, as well as to purchase a vehicle to help clients access services.
Recognising that the recovery of an individual is contingent on them having access to various services at different stages of their life journey, St Barts’ services vary between intensive case management, comprehensive intervention, social and community engagement, mental health, recreational, educational and employment support. They recognise that quality of life is often dramatically improved through being able to live in a homely and comfortable environment where they can establish secure relationships with others.
It's not surprising that the homely environment created for residents has also lead to St Barts becoming the home of a stray dog, aptly dubbed Bart. This gentle dog became a comforting companion for clients, who due to their own homelessness did not have the opportunity to care for a pet themselves. For several years Bart was the much loved mascot of St Barts. Sadly he passed away but not without being immortalised in one of the artworks of a gifted artist and client of St Barts.
Whilst St Bart's services do not necessarily extend to caring for animals, on hearing the story about Bart during the presentation of the Lotterywest grant to the organisation, the Premier ceremoniously awarded St Barts with two puppies. We are pleased to say that the puppies ‘Bling’ and 'Bart 2' are happy in their new home, are sharing their joy and mischief, and helping clients to make connections in the community.