Annual Report 2017

Bethlehem House Tasmania Inc

Supporting Men Experiencing Homelessness

56 Warwick St, Hobart, 7000

ABN 89182261084

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Table of Contents

Foreword from the Chairman 2

Management Committees 3

From the CEO 4

Our Support Services 6

Behind the scenes 9

Challenges in Homelessness 10

Case Studies 11

Thanks to supporters 13

Donate 14

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Foreword from the Chair

Vision for New Building

Bethlehem House exists to realise the goals of the Tasmanian community in supporting homeless men now and well into the future. The realisation of this vision will depend on relocation to a new building in Hobart as the current facilities, whilst being much loved, no longer comply with modern regulatory standards. Although it has been extensively modified in the past, our current building is heritage listed and is no longer adequate for present or future needs.

It is clear that, as the population grows, the need for crisis services to people who are homeless will also increase. As there are times in the year when there is a waiting list for Bethlehem House accommodation and services, it is also clear that the current level of service is already insufficient to meet community need.

This year our focus has been on planning for a move to new facilities and on developing a modern homelessness support service as part of a greater housing strategy for Tasmania.

We look now to the future and to resource investment from our Government partners to develop our crisis accommodation, in line with Action 18 of the Affordable Housing Action Plan we are looking to identify a site in central Hobart for a new Bethlehem House.

Introducing Our New CEO

This year in February we thanked outgoing CEO Patrick Carlisle for his dedicated service over 4 years and appointed a new CEO, Stephanie Kirkman Meikle to take us forward in planning for and delivering a new Bethlehem House, capable of meeting the support needs of homeless men, now and into the future. Stephanie comes to us with a strong track record in developing not-for-profit organisations and a passion for reducing inequalities. We are delighted with the way Stephanie has settled in, assumed leadership of the staff and provided support to the committee.

Thank You to Supporters

We are always thankful for the donations, contributions-in-kind and well-wishes of our supporters in the community whose contributions make such a difference and give a real boost to all of our staff and residents. Such donations enable us to deliver far more than we could otherwise achieve. The care and continued support of our community this year has been invaluable.

Of course, I want to thank the wonderful team of people who work at Bethlehem House every day, showing commitment and dedication to the men who have experienced homelessness and a myriad of other problems.

With the continued support of the Society, we hope to grow our pool of volunteers able to provide skills-based workshops and therapeutic support to our residents and to reach out to those ex-residents in the wider community.

I look back with pride in our service delivery and I look forward with determination to continuing to the meet the challenges of homelessness, alongside our colleagues across the community sector.

Adriana Taylor, President

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Management Committees

Governance Committee Report

Members: Adriana Taylor plus 2

management committee members:

Stephen Bendeigh, Barrister at Derwent and

Tamar Chambers, Stephen

practices in Commercial

law, specializing in energy,

infrastructure and

competition issues.

Chris Batt, a focus on

residential tenancy,

consumer credit,

consumer law, and local

government

administration

The objective of the Governance Sub-committee is to assist the Board to monitor decisions and processes designed to ensure the integrity of Board Governance issues. It has responsibility for reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the Board, and making recommendations on changes required to achieve Bethlehem House’s strategic objectives.

This year, the sub-committee reviewed training and orientation material for the Board, ensuring appropriate orientation for all new Board members in the roles, responsibilities, rights, and requirements for Board members.

The Governance sub-committee has ensured stable operational and strategic oversight of Bethlehem House through the planned management of changes in key roles, including Board members and Chief Executive Officer.

The Governance sub-committee makes recommendations on appropriate governance structures to ensure Bethlehem House is a strong and robust organisation and is compliant with the constitution and any legislative or regulatory requirements. It ensures critical operational

policies and procedures are developed and maintained.

Finances and Resource Management

Committee (FARM) Report: members -

Chris Batt, the CEO and Pat Flanagan:

The FARM sub-committee plays a key role in assisting the board to fulfil its corporate governance responsibilities. The sub-committee supports the

board in relation to financial reporting, internal controls, risk management systems, regulatory and contractual compliance, and the internal and external audit functions. There were 11 FARM meetings this year, with the following focus:

- Analysis of the annual operating and capital budgets with recommendations to the board

- Reviewing the end-of-year annual financial statements

- Reviewing and assessing the organisation’s risk management framework.

- Regularly reporting to the board about committee activities, issues and related recommendations.

Sincere thanks are extended to all committee members including new members Philippa Monk, who defends underprivileged and vulnerable

Tasmanians, as the dedicated Legal Aid lawyer for the court mandated drug diversion programme. and

Tony Giacon, CEO of BGOC Pty Ltd, which manages several hotels and a chain of pet stores and President of St Vincent Industries.

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From the CEO

As the new CEO, I have arrived at a time when Bethlehem House needs to identify the resources to flex our service delivery model to meet the quite distinct and separate needs of:

● increased demand for crisis accommodation

● case work support to deliver rehabilitation support to break the cycle of homelessness

● aged long-term homeless men requiring supported accommodation services

Bethlehem House crisis service sits at the heart of a model which enables longer term supported housing and case work leading to positive impacts. Bethlehem House with its long history of care and support for homeless men is ideally placed to provide both crisis accommodation and longer term supported living casework for men transitioning to permanent accommodation and those requiring ongoing support at home.

Making a Difference

Clearly there is a need for more case management and support services such as counselling and crisis intervention. Current funding is limited and generally available on a one-off basis for clients. Additional ongoing and follow up support would enable more targeted intervention, better follow up and improved recording and monitoring of client outcomes using the outcomes star framework and would provide for better long term outcomes for clients.

With increased funding caseworkers would be able to provide additional support to clients who are transitioning from Bethlehem house and needing some further support as they settle into stable accommodation in the community.

There is concern that many clients have inadequate life-skills, which contributes to tenancy failure and repeat homelessness. This year we have begun conversations with our residents around their perceived need for additional life skills training programs directed at social and relationship skills, financial management, and skills that are useful to increase resilience and self-sufficiency.

For residents moving towards reintegration into mainstream housing, we believe it would be beneficial if we could encourage people into a work-readiness program utilising a training and work skills based approach. I am looking forward to establishing connections with partner organisations who could help us to achieve this through co-located service/partnership working and grants assistance.

Backpacks full of essential care items, provided by Spring Bay Community and Health Centre Staff and community members, December 2017.

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Personal Reflections

Being a relative newcomer I have had a lot to learn about homelessness in Tasmania and how Bethlehem House fits within the Community sector. Already I have found a vibrant and diverse community of dedicated professionals, volunteers and leaders all supporting the individuals and families affected by homelessness and social inequity.

It is very humbling to reflect on the reasons why a person becomes homeless such as losing a job, becoming ill, family break-up, inability to pay the rent. ‘There but for the grace of God…..’ seems to cover it well: a reminder that we are all vulnerable to life changing circumstances.

A highlight of my early months in office has been a visit by the Tasmanian Leaders 2017 cohort who have selected Bethlehem House as the beneficiary of their group task this year. I am looking forward to their project input which will be focussed on the potential for sustainable energy solutions at Bethlehem House. I am also looking forward to working collaboratively with housing, education, alcohol and drugs, mental health and faith sector colleagues where collaboration can lead to a greater impact for our beneficiaries.

I can see that our Bethlehem House team has achieved a great deal over the past year, that our service is working to capacity and that staff go the extra mile on behalf of homeless men. I have observed the kindness and generosity of the community in volunteering their time and offering their support through donations. Over the coming years my expectation of myself is that I shall strive to want more, to achieve more and to build the organisation so that it can have an even greater impact.

Stephanie Kirkman Meikle, CEO

Homeless men at Bethlehem House are very grateful for donations, such as these from Ogilvie High School Students

Ken Morton, head coach of South Hobart FC and Bethlehem House Residents pose for a photoshoot at the screening of ‘A Streetcat named Bob’, internationally acclaimed film about homelessness and how a little thing like a having a cat to care for can turn your life around.

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Our Support Services

Bethlehem House provides accommodation and case management services alongside partner agencies within Housing Connect to approximately 20 clients on any day, requiring medium term support accommodation before being able to move on to affordable longer term housing. Bethlehem House currently provides 12 short-term crisis accommodation beds, 1 overnight emergency bed and 17 medium to long-term beds.

Bethlehem House operates a strict no drugs or alcohol abuse policy which helps to create a stable, rehabilitation based living environment. Bethlehem House operates a mixed model including two co-located independent living units close by Bethlehem House which give the flexibility of transitional accommodation for men to move back into the community. As part of the transitional process caseworkers are able to assist these men to re-connect with their children and to learn to manage their own home. They are able to retain the security needed to develop their independence through links with the case worker and meal support services. The rate of utilisation for all accommodation has increased during 2017 which suggests an overall increase in demand for services. Utilisation rates for the 12 short-term emergency beds was 84% and almost 91% for medium term accommodation.1 Taking into account changeover days and clients moving out during weekend periods, this means that there is almost continuous full occupancy. Housing Connect has a steady stream of referrals to Bethlehem House as vacancies arise. When capacity has been reached, Bethlehem House continually has to turn away homeless men seeking shelter.

Visiting MP Matthew Groom hearing a Bethlehem House resident, some of the problems faced by fathers with children

Wraparound Care

We do believe in a hand-up and helping men to understand the costs of accommodation and to budget. Residential clients give a financial contribution based on 70% of their total income, which enables us to provide a

wraparound care service including 24 hour waking care staff, three meals a day plus snacks, hot drinks and all-day laundry and shower facilities, clothing and transport assistance. This model works well for men in crisis dealing with drug, alcohol and gambling addiction issues. Our accommodation is free of

1 Bethlehem House annual accommodation statistical data base whole year 2016

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charge for the first 14 days annually, for those with no financial means, or until their first income payment. There is never a charge for the use of the overnight emergency bed. Non-residents/rough sleepers also have access to meals and can access a free breakfast on weekdays. An evening meal for non-residents is provided on weekdays for a nominal charge. Ablution facilities for non-residents, including showers, toilets and clothes washing facilities are accessible twice daily on weekdays. On average, Bethlehem House provides 151 breakfasts, 132 dinners, 87 showers to non-residents, 43 laundry services to non-residents and 15 blankets/ clothing and sleeping bags to rough sleepers in any given work month.

Backpack beds have been given to Bethlehem House to pass on to rough sleepers in need. We had a waiting list of 22 people in November-December wanting access to our crisis accommodation.

Case Management

All homeless men receive case worker assistance to plan their exit to stable living circumstances. Bethlehem House aims to provide a holistic and client-centred support to men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Service coordination and intensive case management are core to our service alongside information provision, personal one to one and group counselling and either one-off intervention to respond to a crisis or episodic brief intervention. A scarcity of resources means we can provide only a limited amount of independent living skills and social inclusion programs. Case workers at Bethlehem House seek to empower clients and provide case co-ordination to link clients to services such as health and medical support, legal and housing providers, facilitating on-site training and support for residents.

Senior Case worker, Jeff ‘Helping men every day to change their lives’.

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Bethlehem House provides a stable, safe place for homeless men to receive care, compassion and support where they can begin to address the issues that have led to their homelessness and plan to rebuild their lives. Despite this, we know that many of them will be back for help in some months’ time.

Medication Assistance

One of the key services provided by staff at Bethlehem House is to support residents to manage their medications. Staff undertake appropriate training to assist clients in medication compliance. Residents are encouraged to attend a GP appointment where all medications are reviewed for effectiveness and currency. Where possible, medication is issued from a local Pharmacy in webster packs and bulk billing to Commonwealth PBS is arranged which reduces or eliminates charges to clients.

Medical Triage

Many Bethlehem House clients have issues of trust with medical and other professionals and are more willing to access these services within a safe environment. All Round Health and Community Care provides a weekly outreach clinic at Bethlehem House for triage of minor injuries, assessment and medicines administration. Follow up appointments are available on or off site and all services are bulk-billed. Men typically maintain contact with medical services via the provider once they have exited Bethlehem House, which is a good outcome for them.

Support for Non-resident homeless men

As usual we have extended support to non-residents who come to us for meals or to use the bathroom or laundry facilities. In the last financial year we have provided 3,496 services to non-residents.

Breakfast28%

Dinner34%

Shower16%

Laundry9%

Assessment7%

Bread4%

Bedding2%

Breakfast Dinner

Shower Laundry

Assessment Bread

Bedding

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Behind the scenes

Staff Changes and Development

With sadness we farewelled Matt Holloway, case worker at Bethlehem House since 2012. The search for a new Senior Case Worker has been lengthy but we hope to have an enthusiastic and skilled person starting in the role very soon. We acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our remaining case worker Jeff Bendall and the extended team of willing support workers who have stepped up to assist Jeff with the case work activities in the prolonged interim period.

Bethlehem House Staff have continued to take opportunities for further training and this year’s training has included behaviour medication, suicide prevention, fire and fire warden training, Supervisor’s training and self-care (responding to vicarious trauma). Additionally our management staff completed training in Governance and Industrial Relations.

Other Agencies, students and

volunteers

We are very thankful for the ongoing involvement of other organisations who step in to support our men here on the premises. We would especially like to thank Ang from All Round Health and Community Care, Tracey from

Holyoake, Courtney from the Salvos Bridge Program, Sandy from Centrelink, Ming our Community Nurse and Father Graham Howard for weekly spiritual encouragement.

Once again Bethlehem House has enjoyed the company of students completing their placements. This year we have had the pleasure of hosting Daniel, Zhina and Xilin.

Xilin and Zhina, Utas Masters of Accounting interns 2017, with CEO Stephanie Meikle

We always appreciate the fresh perspective of student workers and are honoured to mentor them as they master the practical application of their theoretical studies.

Over the past year we have been working hard to develop our plans and procedures for volunteers. We would like to thank those who have volunteered their time over the past year and those who continue to do so. Over the next 12 months we look forward to expanding our volunteer program to operate more effectively.

To our staff, volunteers and residents who persevere every day in overcoming adversity, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

Jack Nauta, Client Operations Manager

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Challenges in Homelessness In Tasmania, 1,579 people are homeless every day. Homelessness services across Tasmania provide accommodation for 661 women and Bethlehem House is among services supporting 920 homeless men, 92 of whom will be sleeping rough and 276-300 will pass through the doors of Bethlehem House.

Who are they and why are they homeless?

1/3 of all homeless men are aged 25-44, on a disability pension, having experienced housing crisis. Many Bethlehem House residents have a common history, having been brought up in care and of institutional and sexual abuse. Their have heart rending stories of their lifelong struggle to come to terms with their history, mistrusting society and authority. Rental prices forces them into lower cost housing in areas where drug dealing is prominent.

Men tend to experience repeat homelessness, battling to overcome mental health issues, alcohol dependency and relationship breakdown. A significant number have turned to drug dependency, gambling and alcohol addiction to escape their problems. These can lead to crime and terms of imprisonment, loss of their former home and increased feelings of helplessness. By the time a man arrives at Bethlehem House, we are the last hope.

Domestic Violence services and relationship counselling 25% of clients seek support because of domestic violence issues. Historically, domestic violence funding has focused on women and children’s services. Bethlehem House complements these initiatives by working with men excluded from the family home, to prevent repeat offending and supporting men who have been victims of domestic violence.

Aged residents The percentage of people in Tasmania who are homeless and over 65 is low at 7%, however this group represents a significant client group at Bethlehem House. Older homeless men accessing support at Bethlehem House have additional support needs which tend not to be available through existing aged care provision. Living in a homeless state has serious health consequences and homeless men are likely to suffer prematurely from conditions normally associated with old age. The average age of death for homeless men, who have accessed Bethlehem House accommodation, as calculated in 2016, is 47.49 years. At Bethlehem House we have a memorial wall of remembrance for those who have been assisted by Bethlehem House and who have passed away. For many it is their only memorial.

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Case Studies

Chris

“Up until the 1st May last year I’d been sleeping in an abandoned shop at Gordon down the channel.

My childhood wasn’t any great shakes: Dad knocked all my teeth out: he used to beat me up a lot.

I’m 39 now but I don’t like to go to the Doc because Dad used to take me there after he’d beaten me up. I’d been drinking pretty heavy since I was 14; I used to drink a couple of big bottles of port wine every day- that’s what gave me the mouth ulcers and I couldn’t wear my dentures because of that.”

When Chris first presented at Bethlehem House he hadn’t seen a doctor for ten years. The first thing we did was to arrange a medical assessment for Chris. Chris is now taking medication to assist him with his abstinence from alcohol, as well as to control some other health issues.

Chris says our no alcohol policy at Bethlehem House assisted him in stopping the excessive drinking for the first time in his life. He could not recall ever not drinking before.

After this we assisted Chris in communicating with Housing Connect and after just 4 weeks of waiting he was offered a one bedroom unit in Chigwell.

This was the first time Chris had a place of his own and he was over the moon about it. We linked Chris to St Vincent de Paul’s services and they assisted him with furnishing his new home. His furniture has arrived and Chris is now looking for full time employment.

Damo

Local pedestrians are familiar with the range of potted plants available for sale outside our front doors. This micro business model is primarily the industry of Damo. Damo has a love of gardening and during his time here he has filled the hours propagating plants and imparting his plant knowledge to other residents. The money earned from plant sales is used by Damo to replenish his gardening materials. We are excited by the successful future that Damo is building for himself.

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Robert

“Robert visits each

week to run clay

modelling workshops”

Back in the winter of 2012 Robert was living on the streets while holding down a job as a night manager in a city motel. Even though he was employed he had lost his home due to his gambling addiction. He recognised that gambling was destroying his life and made the decision to quit his job due to the daily exposure to gambling facilities in the hotel environment.

One cold night after two weeks of being both homeless and jobless he offered up a desperate prayer for help and almost immediately a woman approached him and told him he could find a bed that night at Bethlehem House. Robert says that the fifteen minute walk from the city centre to Bethlehem House took him ninety minutes because with each step he struggled with his pride.

Robert spent twelve months living at Bethlehem House and then a further 6 months at Hallam House before moving on to independent living. Robert completed a 12 step program to

overcome his gambling addiction and has not gambled for the past five years. Robert continues to struggle with long term health problems resulting from his time spent living on the streets and this prevents him from working in paid full time employment. However Robert stays very active giving back to the services that supported him when he was at his lowest.

He devotes around 25 hours each week helping out with Loui’s Van and speaks at schools about his experiences with gambling and homelessness. Robert has re-entered Bethlehem House in a different capacity, visiting us each week to run clay modelling workshops with our current residents. Robert is a highly valued volunteer due to the unique understanding and encouragement he brings to the men here at Bethlehem House.

Peter

Peter came to our service late last year at a time when he was trying to stop using illicit drugs. He saw the benefit of staying somewhere that had random drug testing and other supports in place to help him reach his goal of being drug free.

Peter got involved in the house activities and started to feel more positive and motivated. He found some casual work, and after six months at Bethlehem House he received a unit from Housing Tasmania and was happy to move on to the next stage of his journey.

Unfortunately Peter was quickly re-introduced to illicit drugs and in a moment of weakness he gave in to temptation. He lost a lot of weight and was finding life a struggle once again. This news had filtered back to the case workers at Bethlehem House and they contacted Peter and offered assistance to help him sort things out. Peter moved back into Bethlehem House so that he could get the support to work through his issues and once again be drug free. Once again Peter is making positive steps towards his recovery.

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2016/2017

DONATIONS

Bethlehem House would

like to thank the

following people and

organisations for their

generous support in

2016-17:

A Paw Up Alex Luttrell Allan Duggan Amanda Thompson Angela Morrison Ann Tulleren Bill Mclaughland Brian Claridge Bruce Bruny Island CWA Café 176 Megan McQueen Cameron Ruffino Campbell St Primary School Cantinmo Ladies Choir Caroline House Chris Ord Christine Burnett Christine Edwards Clarence City Council Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund Community Continence Service Craig Ferguson D Brown David Wiswart Dean Robinson Department of Primary Industries Des Gordon Dillon Dogs Home of Tasmania Donato D Dr. Holmze Driessen Family Dympna McCann

Father Gerald Quinn Fay Shepperd Fiona Food Not Bombs Glenorchy Primary School Hobart Cake Company Hobart Football Club Hobart Neighourhood House Hydro Tasmania Ian Sylvester Janet Saunders Jenny Matthews John Josh Hanek Joyce Corner Juicy Isles Kalka Community South Aus. Kathy Joyce Kaye Gigney Kerri, Orford Kerry Handley Kingston Family Leigh Bewley Lindisfarne Rowing Club Lions Club Hobart Lipscombes Larder Loui's Van MacKillop College Mako Martin Tilley Matthew Beauregard McDonalds Melinda Meridith Atkinson Michael Bragg Michelle - HBA Pty Ltd Mission Foods Mornington Community Church Mr Keyser Mrs Midson Mt Carmel College Mt Carmel School Nick Peterson

North Hobart Rotary Phillip Fraser Pod Coffee @ TOT Pope John Paul II Conference of St Vincent de Paul Prue Horne Queen Victoria Nursing Home Queenborough Little Athletics Rajneesh Sheety Ralph Gaby Richard Richard McManus Robin Richards Ronald McDonald House Royal Hobart Hospital Salvation Army Shane Hutchinson Sharon Sharri Shereelyn Cupit Simon Bucci & Rafaella Varzone Sonia Sorrell School St Aloysius St Helens School St Mary's Cathedral Stephanie Watson Steve Sue Barrat Surin Sussane West Tarramah Steiner School Tas Land Conveyancing Tas Networks Terry The Old Woolstore Thomas Croger Tim Kotheris Total Hair & Beauty Travelbytes Vantage Group Wayne Gigney Yabbo Thompson

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How You Can Help

Bethlehem House Supporting Men Experiencing Homelessness

Bethlehem House Tasmania is the ONLY MALE CRISIS SHELTER in southern

Tasmania? Shocking... but sadly true. There are many homeless Tasmanian men

who for many different reasons have nowhere to live. Last year we provided over

11,000 beds in addition to support, food and respite from the streets. WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL HELP so we can continue this work.

EVERY month we have to SAY SORRY to at LEAST 20 MEN and the best we can do

is give them a blanket – even if its winter, it’s cold and the prospect of sleeping rough

is awful. With your generous support we aim to make life more bearable by supporting more

men, reaching out to those who have left us but are still struggling and identifying those in need of

our assistance

Please help Tasmania’s men who need a hand... you may know one.

DONATE TO OUR APPEAL TODAY

so we can help more of Tasmania’s homeless men

Do it online by direct bank transfer to:

Bethlehem House Tasmania

BANK SORT Code: 017010

Account Number: 001695561

Phone (03) 6234 4594 to make a donation over the phone, or send a cheque to Bethlehem House Tasmania Inc. PO Box 233, North Hobart, 7002

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BEQUESTS The work of Bethlehem House is a very worthy cause that you may wish to remember in your Will. If you wish to do so, the following form of bequest is an appropriate inclusion in your will and should be discussed with your Solicitor or Executor. Form of Bequest I bequeath to Bethlehem House Tasmania Inc. for its charitable works, the sum of $...................... And/ or the following goods and chattels: Signed: Signature Name Date In the presence of witness Signature Name

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Date