Bethlehem House Tasmania Inc.

56 Warwick Street, Hobart, Tas 7000

Supporting Men Experiencing Homelessness

Annual Report 2015/2016

A special work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Southern Tasmanian Regional Council

Est. 1854

ContentsPresident’s Report 1

CEO’s Report 3

COM’s Report 5

Case Workers’ Report 7

Case Studies 8

Financial Report 9

Profile of Board Members 25

2015-16 Donations 27

How to donate to us 29

Committee renewalAt last year’s AGM the members elected Philippa (Pip) Monk to our Committee of Management. Pip works as a lawyer at Legal Aid Commission of

Tasmania and as such has a strong working knowledge of some of the issues that cause men to become homeless or put them at risk of homelessness. Pip’s knowledge has been a welcome addition to our Committee and will assist us to further understand the needs of our clients.

Unfortunately as one arrives, another leaves and we say thank you to Andrew Geard for his time and effort as a fellow Committee member.

Annual Christmas Mass In traditions of years past, we once again held our annual Christmas Mass. This was celebrated by His Grace Julian Porteous, Archbishop of Tasmania, with over fifty

visitors attending and many of the residents joining in with the carols and mass. We look forward to the 2016 Christmas Mass and invite you to join us for carols, Mass and dinner.

Apostolic Nuncio to AustraliaThe Most Reverend Julian Porteous, Archbishop of Tasmania invited His Excellency Most Reverend Adolfo Tito Yllana Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, to visit Hobart in February 2016. As part of his visit, Archbishop Porteous invited the Apostolic Nuncio to visit the special works of St Vincent de Paul Society. We hosted both Graces and held a morning tea for them to meet both residents and staff of Bethlehem House.

Strategic planningOver the last 9 months the Committee and staff have been developing a proposal to develop further services for the homeless of Tasmania. Part of the new strategic direction is for the re-build of Bethlehem House. The aim is to bring contemporaneous design to a new building with additional space for new services and improving the living space of homeless men. This proposal fits well with the Tasmanian Government’s recently

President’s Report

Apostolic Nuncio Visit to Bethlehem House

1

launched ten year Affordable Housing Strategy to improve access to affordable, safe and appropriate homes for all Tasmanians. In meetings with the Minister for Human Services, Jacquie Petrusma, Bethlehem House has been acknowledged as the next significant capital works project to be undertaken by Housing Tasmania. We look forward to working positively with the Department to make this project a reality over the ensuing years.

New 3 year service agreementBethlehem House Tasmania Inc. receives funding from the Crown, through the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide the service of Type 3 - short-term Emergency Accommodation. The Committee has just signed our new 3 year contract, through to 30 June 2019, with the State Government to continue serving the needs of homeless men in Tasmania.

Volunteering RevampingA small working group of the Committee and staff has been reviewing our needs and types of volunteers and revamped our paperwork to ensure compliance to newer volunteering standards. Now that this has been completed, advertisements are being placed seeking expressions of interest to attract new and old volunteers back to Bethlehem House.

Thank You A special thanks to the many individuals who donate cash, time, energy and expertise to improve the conditions for homeless men of Tasmania and providing them with hope.

May God bless you all for your kindness and generosity.

Adriana Taylor

“Spaceship” by Daryl Field

2

Organisational StructureLast year we introduced a new post of Client Operations Manager whose role covers all operational client services. This has been a boon for our clients and staff resulting in more coordinated services for our clients

For the first time in three years we have filled all our permanent positions allowing us to improve the continuum of care for our clients with great results that you can see throughout this report.

I also acknowledge that Ross has reached a milestone of fifteen years of continuous work at Bethlehem House; well done Ross and thank you for your hard work.

The EnvironmentThis year we received a grant from the Sidney Myer Fund which funded two new computer systems for our residents’ use. Our residents can now update their records with Centrelink; hunt for employment; look at and seek out longer-term accommodation and most importantly keep in touch with family and friends.

Over the last four years Bethlehem House has undergone a huge transition starting in 2012 with a new roof and continuing through to today where all bedrooms have undergone a total makeover from floor to ceiling including bedding and walls. The last remaining phase is to give the grand old building a facelift out the front to complete the picture. We are now looking for ways to fund this end of the project.

Men’s Health and WellbeingBethlehem House staff continue to work to improve the four environments of the residents. We have focused on the physical health through the improving connections with local GP, continuing presence of the Community Health Nurse and the introduction of the Practice Nurse weekly visits.

Mental health has also been a focus with the implementation of weekly visits of a private Psychiatrist and Holyoake counsellor. The emotional and spiritual health of our residents lies in the capable hands of Fr Graham Howard and Fr Shammi Perera. As noted above we have also been working on their physical environment with the building improvements.

Community InvolvementAgain this year Bethlehem House has ensured that the voice of homeless men is heard by the decision makers and policy makers. In April we made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Domestic violence and gender inequality. Current media and discussions appear to only focus on that the male is a perpetrator and neglects to consider that men are also the victims of domestic violence and that Bethlehem House is a sanctuary where they can seek shelter and support.

As part of our aim to educate our local community about homelessness in Hobart and the issues surrounding it some of our current residents have visited community groups to talk about their experiences and causes of homelessness.

We continue to receive good support from community groups through varying ways. For example, the good residents of the St Canice Nursing Home held a morning tea fund raiser and donated warm winter clothes for residents of Bethlehem House.

CEO’s Report

3

ConclusionAs this marks my fourth and probably last report as CEO of Bethlehem House, I would like to say thank you to everyone I have met in my role.

I extend my thanks to all the present and past staff that I have had the privilege of working with during my time at Bethlehem House.

Most importantly, I thank the men who have

travelled through Bethlehem House on their journey and left a lasting impression.

Thanks again to the Committee of Management of Bethlehem House for their support and guidance and the faith they showed in me by extending my tenure through to this year.

I also need to thank my family for their ongoing support and love.

Patrick Carlisle

4

“Portrait” by Rory Murphy.

COM’s Report Capacity of Bethlehem HouseBethlehem House provides safe accommodation and a variety of support services to men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Bethlehem House

has the capacity to accommodate twenty-nine regular residents. Additionally, we provide one emergency bed that is available each night and we have a separate unit in a nearby suburb to accommodate homeless fathers with young children. The occupancy rate this year has increased since last year with 86.9% of available beds being utilised.

Support ServicesWhen someone experiences homelessness they also experience a loss of safety, self-esteem, community connectedness and belonging. At Bethlehem House we respond not only to the clients’ physical needs but to the trauma of their homelessness. Our support team uses a strength based approach when interacting with residents to re-establish the dignity of our residents and re-affirm their resilience.

Our Case Workers, Matt and Jeff, adopt a whole of life approach to facilitate the learning, wellbeing and life skills that our residents need for future stable community living. Vocational programs and activities undertaken by Bethlehem House residents in the past year have included employment direction, Integration with education providers such as TAFE and training programs. A number of our residents have undertaken hospitality, horticultural and electrical courses in the last twelve months.

Bethlehem House operates within an integrated framework of support services and apart from the personal case management provided by our case workers, residents also benefit from on-site services of Holyoake, who provide counselling and support specific to drug and alcohol problems, Allround Health and a Community Nurse who attend to our residents’ physical needs and a visiting psychiatrist who treats mental health issues. A representative from Centrelink provides on-site support each week and we also appreciate Anna and Lisa who have come in from TAFE to practice their hairdressing skills.

Anna cuts Stephen’s hair

Non-Resident ServicesOur services to non- residents have expanded over the last year with an increased number of non-residents accessing Bethlehem House for breakfast, dinner or to shower or use the laundry facilities. Close to 3,500 ration pack containing non-perishable food items have been distributed.

5

This year the total number of meals provided to both residents and non-residents, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners was 34,701.

2015-2016 Tally of Services to Non-Residents

Staff DevelopmentBethlehem House employees have continued their professional development throughout the year. Training has included an anti-discrimination workshop conducted by Equal Opportunity Tasmania, workshops on cultural awareness, supporting those with challenging behaviours and self- care, as well as first aid and suicide prevention training. Some staff continue to personally develop their skills through University and TAFE through studying the Certificate IV in Community Service and Working with Offenders courses.

I commend our staff for the compassionate, professional and dedicated work they have done throughout the year. It has been encouraging to witness the excellent rapport between staff and clients. Staff turnover has been very low with slight turnover in the casual pool, and this stability has resulted in consistency in service delivery, resulting in better outcomes for our residents.

Mark Twain once said “kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Jack Nauta

Paul receives the last ration pack

6

Case Workers’ Report

Bethlehem House has two full time case workers. Matt Holloway has been working with our clients since July 2012 and Jeff Bendall joined the service in April 2014.

Matt and Jeff undertake assessments with people seeking accommodation support from Monday to Friday. Caseworkers focus on individuals’ strengths, ascertaining their goals and liaising on their behalf to facilitate referrals to meet their needs. Many of the clients presenting to the service are in a state of crisis and are not linked into any supports.

Case workers at Bethlehem House seek to empower services users and provide case co-ordination to link them in with a variety of supports including health and medical support, mental health support including counselling and psychiatry. We also link residents in with financial support, specialised drug and alcohol dependency support as well as linking clients in with support for housing.

Case workers also assist clients to participate in excursions and facilitate socially inclusive activities. One recent excursion included a sailing trip which allowed sixteen residents the opportunity for adventure at sea. Bethlehem House has also facilitated training and supported some residents undertaking trade certificates including two residents having the opportunity to gain skills and complete hours towards accreditation in

commercial cookery through training in Bethlehem House’s on-site commercial kitchen and supervision from our trained full-time Chef.

For the second year in a row Bethlehem House also linked in with Red Cross’s community education to provide first aid training for residents of the service.

Residents reported to me that they felt the confidence and positivity of being involved in the project spread over into other aspects of their lives. This included feeling more hopeful whilst in Bethlehem House, where some residents report lack of stimulation as a major reason for participating in destructive habits. Residents also reported that having an outlet of doing something which they felt involved in and was teaching them skills gave a sense of hope and motivation. This was reported as significantly helping them cope with living at Bethlehem House on a daily basis.

Overall this was a positive and constructive experience for all involved. With hopes from all parties involved that the project/similar projects can continue into the future.

Matt Holloway and Jeff Bendall

Sharee our chef is given vegetables grown by our residents.

7

Case StudiesBROCKBrock was assisted by the service for over 4 months, after presenting soon after losing custody of his son. Brock and his ex-partner separated and he was left with his son in his full time care. After an intervention from child protection Brock moved into the service and focused tirelessly on getting his son back. Brock was assisted by staff to link in with a parenting program, providing regular clean drug tests conducted by pathology and Bethlehem House services. Brock got his life on track. When it came to an upcoming court date regarding access to his son, Brock was at risk of limited access due to not having a permanent residence with a separate bedroom for his son. Brock did his best to keep his furniture which he continued to pay storage costs for and with advocacy on his behalf Brock was assisted to move into a permanent 2 bedroom property and now is living independently back in the community with his son.

MARKMark worked 2 days on 2 off as a Chef, was struggling with an Alcohol addiction and had chosen to present to Bethlehem House for assistance with getting his life back on track. When Mark was drinking he would often become abusive towards his wife, who had asked Mark to leave the family home and wanted to end the relationship. As a last attempt to maintain his marriage Mark said he would come to Bethlehem House and not drink for 6 months. Mark’s wife was sceptical but agreed. Mark has a wife and two children and his focus during his time at Bethlehem House was on changing his life

in order to be a better partner and father. Mark was made to comply with guidelines around no alcohol consumption and linked in with counselling supports. After 4 months Mark had not had a drink and when his wife asked him to return home he said “NO… not until I have completed the 6 months I promised you.” At 6 months on the dot Mark returned home to his beautiful wife and two children and is still enjoying a healthy and fulfilled life.

MIKEMike had been in gaol as a result of crimes he had committed while The Court Mandated Drug Diversion program (CMD) contacted Bethlehem House to ask if Mike could stay with the service under the strict condition that he comply with regular drug testing as mandated by the courts. Bethlehem House agreed given Mike’s long term substance dependency. To assist CMD, Bethlehem House’s case worker staff drug tested Mike and linked him in with appropriate on-site supports to help him overcome his addictions. After 4 months of compliance and returning clean drug tests, Mike was offered a unit with social housing provider and now has his son on a full-time basis as well as having regular shared custody of his daughter. A great result for all involved.

8

Russell with the donated Christmas gifts.

9

Financial Report

10 11-12 13-14 15 16 17 18-24 26

10

11

12

2016 2015$ $

INCOME Board - Transitional Houses 54,909 16,735 Board - SHS 353,646 342,060 Community Program Grants 193,194 175,533 Donations 28,850 45,109 Interest 8,933 18,049 Meals (purchased separately) - 64 SHS Grant 758,752 722,867 Other Grants 79,133 75,584

TOTAL INCOME 1,477,417 1,396,001

BETHLEHEM HOUSE TASMANIA INC.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

ABN 89 182 261 084

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report

5

13

2016 2015EXPENDITURE $ $

Administration Expenses 20,683 15,792 Bank Charges 1,062 826 Courses & Seminars 2,775 1,273 Domestic Services 29,010 20,491 Depreciation 40,712 42,120 Electricity 37,439 38,509 Food 92,491 92,754 Guest's Welfare 8,875 2,607 Insurance 10,382 16,699 Legal Fees - 7,663 Memberships/Subscriptions 3,050 3,239 Medical Costs 3,299 1,663 Motor Vehicle Expenses 4,270 6,281 Rates 8,347 7,839 Repairs & Maintenance 28,062 45,053 Security 6,431 7,850 Sundry Expenses 15,233 64,383 Telephone & Internet 10,673 9,548 Training 1,308 12,534 Transitional Houses 11,483 12,419 Wages & Employment Costs 1,120,388 1,086,638

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1,455,973 1,496,178

NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FROM OPERATIONS 21,444 (100,177)

OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME Donations - St Vincent De Paul Society - 63,090

NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 21,444 (37,087)

BETHLEHEM HOUSE TASMANIA INC.ABN 89 182 261 084

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report6

14

15

Capital Asset TotalReserve Replacement Accumulated Changes in

Bequests Reserve Funds Equity $ $ $ $

Balance as at 30 June 2014 192,518 193,592 204,524 590,634

Operating Surplus / (Deficit) - - (37,087) (37,087)

Transfers to reserves/(from) - - - -

Balance as at 30 June 2015 192,518 193,592 167,437 553,547

Operating Surplus / (Deficit) - - 21,444 21,444

Transfers to reserves/(from) - - - -

Balance as at 30 June 2016 192,518 193,592 188,881 574,991

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report

8

BETHLEHEM HOUSE TASMANIA INC.ABN 89 182 261 084

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITYFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

16

17

Sales of goods and services

Government grants

Interest revenue

Proceeds from non-current asset sales

18

19

Wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave

Long service leave

Superannuation

20

Non-Cash Flows included in Operating Surplus

Changes in Assets & Liabilities

21

22

23

24

Adriana Taylor - PresidentAdriana Taylor became the President of the Committee of Management of Bethlehem House in 2009. She was first elected to the Legislative Council in May 2010. Adriana holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (UNE) and a Diploma of Education (University of Tasmania), and has wide professional experience in education and community advocacy. She is also a graduate of the Company Directors Institute of Australia.

Adriana is a member of the Glenorchy Reconciliation Group and of Achieving Reconciliation Tasmania, and is a Trustee of the Aunty Ida West Wyballenna Trust Fund. She is an Honorary Rotarian and a Member of the Country Women’s Association. She is also the Chairman of the Claremont College School Association, President of Women sport and Recreation Tasmania, a member of the Cosgrove Community Learning Centre Management Committee, and sits on the TCA’s Female Cricket Promotion Committee. Nationally, Adriana has represented Tasmanian consumers on the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council and the Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency.

Chris Batt – TreasurerDuring his career Chris has engaged in activities that are interesting, challenging and make a difference. A focus on areas such as residential tenancy, consumer credit, consumer law and local government administration has given him experience in the processes and administration of government and the opportunity to support programs that contribute to the community. Chris’s career adds value to the community by being socially responsible; and contributing to healthy and innovative organisations.

Chris enjoys the process of change and encourage people and organisations to think about new ways of operating. Chris encourages creative and lateral thinking and believe that creative people flourish in healthy, supportive organisations. Chris’s career has focused on encouraging and fostering this approach.

Profile of Board Members

25

Stephen Bendeich – SecretaryStephen Bendeich is a lawyer, employed as General Counsel at Hydro Tasmania. In this role Stephen is responsible for legal advice, market regulation and corporate compliance processes. Stephen is the President of the Tasmanian Division of the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association, and a member of the organisation’s national Board and Finance Audit and Risk Committee. Stephen has acted in the roles of Corporation Secretary and General Manager Corporate at Hydro Tasmania and has commercial experience in governance and financial matters.

Stephen moved to Tasmania from Melbourne in 2003 to take up a position with Hydro Tasmania. Prior to this, was a partner in a large national law firm, practising in corporate and energy related matters.

Pat Flanagan – Vice PresidentPat Flanagan retired from the position of Regional Manager of the St Vincent de Paul Society in December 2012 and enjoys volunteering around Hobart.

Pat is an accountant who has worked in the community and welfare sectors for over thirty years. Pat served on the original Board of Bethlehem House from 1972 to 1980 and re-joined in 2003.

Pat is married with two adult daughters, one of whom learnt to walk in the Bethlehem House Sitting Room!

Pip Monk – New MemberPip is a criminal defence lawyer, who currently works for the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania. After completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the University of Tasmania in 2011, Pip joined the Legal Services Commission of South Australia as part of their Criminal Practice Division. She returned to Tasmania in 2013 and began her current role, defending underprivileged and vulnerable Tasmanians in the Magistrates Court and Supreme Court of Tasmania. As part of her role, Pip has worked as the dedicated Legal Aid lawyer for the Court Mandated Drug Diversion program since 2015. In her spare time, Pip performs as lead singer for the rock band “Detour”.

26

27

AHPRA (Ariel)

Andrew

Andrew Wells

Aus.Services Union

Aust. Air Force Cadets

Banjos

Barista Sista, Simone Daly

Barry Mission

Blackman’s Bay Childcare

Bobby Court

Brand Tasmania

Bruny Island Fudge Co.

Cailin

Cake Decorators of Tasmania

Campbell St. Primary School

Catholic Education Centre

Catholic Women’s League

Centre Link Call Centre

Chocolate Trading Company

Chris Standen

Daryl McCarthy

Deborah, A.A.

Department of Human Services

Department of Justice

Dining With Friends

Donut King

Dr. Holmze

Dympna McCann

Eileen

Father Quinn

Federal Group (Prue)

Felicity

Food 2U

Food Not Bombs

Food with Flair

The Friends’ School

Glenorchy Lions Club

Graham Clarke

Guide Dogs Tas, Kate Grady

Guilford Young College

Heidi

Helen Brumbby

Hobart Cake Company

Hobart Football Club

Ian Sylvester

The Italian Club

J.A Tilbury

John Rapley

June

Kinborough Helping Hands

Krystyna Chawa

Latitude Films

Leighton & Josh

Lindisfarne RC, Meredith Evans

Lipscombes Larder

Liz Hutchins

Loui’s Van

Louise Molors

2015-16 Donations Bethlehem House would like to thank the following people and organisations for their generous support in 2015/2016:

28

Margaret Proudlock

Melanoma

Michael Bragg

Michael Carnes

Michael Paradisis

Michael Wilson

Michelle Searle

Midcity Hotel

MLC Away

Mornington Community Church

Mountain Heights High

Mr & Mrs Pearce

Mr & Mrs Webster

Mr D Pyrke

Mrs C Akhurst

Mrs Sprott

Mt Carmel College

North Hobart Football Club

North Hobart Rotary Club

Pauline Samson

Peter Harding

Peter Willoughby

Picken Bodyworks

Rachael Calvert

Richmond Fellowship

Robin Richards

Roz Hiscox

Ruth Drummond

Salvation Army

Shelley Jacques

St Aloysius College

St Vincent De Paul

SWAAGS

Tanya

Tas. Land Conservation

TASCOSS

Tasmanian Fire Service

TasWater Social Club

Tim Butcher

Vantage Community Group

Vicki Lutan

Vodaphone

W.L. Hill

Waji’s Catering

Y & D Thompson

2015-16 Donations

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 10,000 beds in addition to support, food and respite from the streets.

WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL HELP so we can continue this work.

Our building in Warwick Street after 35 years of service is badly in need of repair.

EVERY month we have to SAY SORRY to at LEAST 20 MEN and the best we can do is give them a blanket - its winter, it’s cold and the prospect of sleeping rough is awful. We aim to raise $250,000 to do repairs to Warwick Street and to purchase another property so we can offer even more beds.

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 at http://everydayhero.com.au/charity/view?charity=2353 Phone (03) 6234 4594, or send a cheque to Bethlehem House Tasmania Inc. PO Box 233, North Hobart, 7002

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 $......................

29

How to donate to us