Serving those in need
Loreto Community Housing Bridgewater Offices
Today marks another significant moment in the unfolding story of the Archdiocese of Hobart providing social and affordable housing to those experiencing homelessness or housing stress.
From CatholicCare entering into the housing space, to Build Up Tassie providing opportunities for apprenticeships, to the establishment of St Joseph’s Affordable Homes, and then to the establishing of Loreto Community Housing, it has been a remarkable story and one that we can be very proud of.
This new facility enables Loreto to have a permanent home for its services, extending beyond Bridgewater, indeed across the State.
As you know we are about to embark on a very bold venture of 14 building projects to construct 440 new dwellings in the coming four years through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
However, here you are servicing clients living in 3,100 dwellings. All told there are around 6,000 people that Loreto is currently caring for. Six thousand people! And the number will grow.
When I consider what we have undertaken in this area of housing as an Archdiocese I am reminded of the teaching of the Lord found in Matthew, Chapter 25 (vv34-36). The Lord said,
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
We will be judged on how we have cared for those in need. You are at the front lines of doing just that. Every time someone comes for help and you are able to respond to their needs, you can imagine God looking down on you and smiling. You are indeed blessed by the Father.
The Scripture passage that we read today from the Book of Genesis reminds us of the extraordinary dignity of each person. It stated that when God created human beings He put something of himself in each of us. That part of God that is in each of us is an immortal soul. Listen again to the words from Genesis:
God created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them
Using our skills to advance the situation of people, building houses to house them, showing care and concern for people who battle in life, all this seeks to enhance the worth and dignity of each person.
Today as I bless these beautiful facilities let us all recall what is the final purpose of these facilities and the work we do here: we are here to serve those in need and show compassion and kindness to those who struggle in life.
May the Lord not only bless these facilities but all who will work here for Loreto Community Housing, and bless those who visit here seeking help and assistance.
Archbishop Julian Porteous
Thursday, 19 June 2025