Bethlehem House – The Homeless Charity Hobart

Everything you need to know about Bethlehem House

A brief history

In 1972 the Society of St Vincent de Paul purchased a guest house at 56 Warwick Street, Hobart and became the primary homeless charity in Hobart The building was converted into an overnight shelter for homeless men and named Bethlehem House. At that time the doors were opened at 5 o’clock each night, guests were given a towel and pyjamas on entry, and required to leave Bethlehem House by 8 o’clock the next morning.

When Bethlehem House opened, it was assumed that the men who used the service were only temporarily homeless. The plan was to offer them a bed for one or two nights until they moved into stable accommodation. It soon became clear that the issues facing clients were far more complex. Many were alcoholics and some faced ‘permanent homelessness’. In response to their needs, Bethlehem House began offering a 24-hour service, operated by a pool of volunteers.

Over the years the role of Bethlehem House has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the disadvantaged in the community it serves. Bethlehem House continues to assist a wide range of homeless men, many of whom have experienced problems with family and relationship breakdowns, mental health issues, alcohol and substance abuse, and periods of unemployment and/or imprisonment.

In 2007 Bethlehem House purchased a four-bedroom house in Warwick Street, adjacent to our shelter, which offers additional accommodation for homeless men. The property was purchased with the assistance of State Council and Hobart Regional Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society of Tasmania, as well as bequest monies. The property was named Hallam House in recognition of a sizeable bequest, and was officially opened by the then-Governor of Tasmania, the Honorable William Cox.

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Our Vision

To be the leading service provider and advocate in Tasmania for men experiencing disadvantage and homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness (including sole fathers and their children) and to be recognised and valued as a centre for the wellbeing of all men experiencing social disadvantage.

Our Mission

To ensure the provision of high quality, consumer driven, integrated services to meet the needs of men experiencing disadvantage.

To work collaboratively with other agencies to minimise service duplication and ensure that clients are provided with access to all supports needed for recovery from homelessness.

Our values and principles

These values and principles form the basis and underpin the work of the organisation. All staff, volunteers, board members and business partners must be aware of these values and principles and ensure that their work supports the capacity of the organisation to realise these.

Respect
Recognising the worth of the individual regardless of his circumstances, status, race, religion, politics or behaviour.
Fostering the growth of human dignity and respect.
Respecting individual and group differences.
Empowerment
Encouraging self-help as a means to growth in self -confidence and responsibility.
Promoting opportunities for a more satisfying life for the men.
Affording each man the opportunity to make best use of his potential.

Hope
Developing the organisation as a community of genuine care and unconditional positive regard.
To believe in the capacity for change through solutions focused methodology.
Integrity
Adhere to high quality principles of case management and professionalism at all times.
Be accountable for our actions. Be our word. Act with transparency.