Housing entity affirms its mission and Catholic identity

By Catherine Sheehan

On 10 December, Centacare Evolve Housing (CEH), Tasmania’s largest provider of community housing, officially changed its name to Loreto Community Housing, affirming its Catholic identity and signifying an important evolution in the organisation’s structure.

“Centacare Evolve Housing has been a partnership of shared vision and purpose for over a decade,” CEO Cody Burdon said.

“However, with the Archdiocese of Hobart now becoming the sole member of the organisation, it is the right time to adopt a name that reflects our renewed identity and mission.

“The name Loreto Community Housing was chosen to honour our Catholic heritage while continuing our commitment to providing safe, secure, and sustainable housing for Tasmanians in need.”

CEH was established in 2014 as an entity of the Archdiocese of Hobart, providing tenancy support, an in-house maintenance service, a community wellbeing team and construction pre-employment program Build Up Tassie.

The principles of the Archdiocese and of Catholic Social Teaching underpin the vision of the organisation to alleviate housing stress by delivering attainable homes, and to develop opportunities to further contribute to individual, family, and community wellbeing.

Mr Burdon said the name change did not signify a change in mission.

“Our core purpose—to provide affordable housing and build thriving communities—remains unchanged,” he said.

“What it does signify is a strengthened connection to our Catholic identity, affirming our mission as one rooted in faith and service. Our commitment to all people, regardless of their background, continues as steadfast as ever.

“The new name allows us to honour our roots while embracing the future with clarity and purpose.”

Loreto is the name of a town in central Italy famous for being the location of the Holy House of the Virgin Mary of Nazareth, the structure believed to have been the home of the mother of Christ. According to Catholic tradition, the house was miraculously transported by angels from the Holy Land to Italy.

“The name Loreto is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition,” Mr Burdon said.

“It refers to the Holy House of Loreto, believed to be the home where the Virgin Mary lived and where the Annunciation took place.

“This name symbolises a place of welcome, protection, and sanctuary—values central to our work in providing safe and secure housing.

“Just as Loreto has been a beacon of faith and refuge for centuries, Loreto Community Housing aspires to be a source of hope and stability for those we serve.”

Mr Burdon added that the new name reflected the organisation’s on-going mission to serve the Tasmanian community.

“While the name Centacare Evolve Housing has served us well, Loreto Community Housing encapsulates our commitment to faith, hope, and community.

“We are incredibly grateful to all those who have supported us over the years, and we look forward to continuing our mission to provide housing, build communities, and transform lives.”