Baptist Care SA – Homelessness Respite Centre

Baptist Care SA – Homelessness Respite Centre

Baptist Care SA’s new Homelessness Respite Centre opens in the City of Adelaide

The Lord says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” Matt 11:28

Motivated by the servant heart of Jesus… and after 12 months of consultation and planning, Baptist Care SA officially opened its new Homeless Respite Centre on 13January 2020.

Empowered by the audacity to hope… this innovative new Respite Centre is now offering safe and supportive accommodation and 24/7 social support services for up to 10 people who would otherwise have been discharged from the Royal Adelaide Hospital onto the street because they had nowhere to go.

What, my own bed with clean sheets?

Once settled into their own room in the Respite Centre, a skilled and compassionate Case Manager patiently listens to each individual’s life story which often includes tragic circumstances that trigger grief, shame and loss. Amazingly, glimpses of courage, endurance and unique strengths in the face of adversity are also often revealed when staff listen attentively. Planning then begins to develop and wrap tailored supports around people as they prepare to take their next step along their Transition Pathway from adversity to opportunity.

Underpinned by belief in the dignity of all people… the Homelessness Respite Centre seeks to make healthy choices easy choices.

Whilst residents rest and recuperate, the Centre’s focus is highly geared toward assisting people to secure safe, affordable appropriate and stable housing: “a place to call home”; “a place to hang my hat”.

Please pray with us for the Lord’s leading as we take faithful steps toward the emerging vision of more comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Centre for Homeless and Aboriginal people.

Lord, reveal to us how:

• Baptist Care SA can further develop our WestCare Centre as a ‘Sanctuary in the City’ for all who are weary and burdened?
• Each of us can contribute to your work of grace and mercy in our communities.

Graham Brown
Chief Executive Officer