Vincentians’ ‘bold step in faith’ recalled as new $20m facilities open
By Wendy Shaw
As Bethlehem House enters a new era following the opening of $20 million facilities in North Hobart, tribute has been paid to the dedication of the volunteers who started the men’s crisis accommodation 51 years ago.
The newly constructed building in Harrington St has light and spacious en-suite accommodation for up to 50 men who are experiencing homelessness, up-to-date training and staff rooms, a basement workshop for woodwork and art, and three dog kennels.
The site adjoins the former Waratah Hotel in Murray St, which is already home to 24 men under the Bethlehem House program.
Bethlehem House executive manager Stephen Shreeve said the facilities were a boon to the staff and residents, with increased total capacity and modern facilities.
“It is a big step forward,” he said.
“Beth House was established in 1972 by members of St Vincent de Paul who ran it on a volunteer basis.
“Now with the brand-new building, it has grown into something really significant from those early beginnings. I want to acknowledge the people who established it and did the hard work to get it up and running and the people with vision to go to government to get the new building for us, all funded by Homes Tas.”
Bethlehem House remains part of retired diocesan priest Fr Graeme Howard’s ministry. He is a weekly visitor.
“I just go in for the food not for the people – that’s what I tell everyone – and have a meal and spend time with some of the fellas, then I go to Common Ground [a Hobart-based community housing project] and spend some time with some other men there.
“The new Bethlehem House is in an ideal setting, all set up very nicely, and the accommodation and facilities are excellent. Overall, the men are very happy.
“The reality is that there are many homeless people in Hobart, and all around the countryside, and there is a great need for this type of accommodation.”
Fr Howard acknowledged the efforts of the hard-working staff in supporting the men and also the role of the many Vincentians over the years.
“When it started off it was completely run by volunteers and they made tremendous sacrifices really,” Fr Howard added.
“It was good to see some of those original people were at the opening of the new Bethlehem House.”
The key role of the St Vincent de Paul Society was highlighted in Archbishop Julian’s address at the blessing of the new Bethlehem House.
“It was the St Mary’s Cathedral St Vincent de Paul Conference that decided in 1972 to open a house for homeless men [in Warwick St, Hobart],” he said.
“What started as a bold step in faith has been able to endure and now with this new facility further expand its services to meet the increasing challenge of providing accommodation for those who need a roof over their heads …
“May the risen Lord be found in this place and may this house be a place of welcome, peace and hope.”
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic charitable organisation dedicated to the service of the marginalised and disadvantaged. Bethlehem House is a special work of the society.