Tony's story

Sixty-year old Tony was homeless for 13 years. A former alcoholic, estranged from his family and facing some serious health problems, Tony needed help in rebuilding his life. He was referred to Catholic Healthcare's Community Services, Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program.

For several months, Tony lived in a bed-sitter in one of Catholic Healthcare's transitional housing terraces in Waterloo. Here, Tony enjoyed a clean and safe environment while his health, social support and long-term housing needs were addressed by Catholic Healthcare's community workers.

It wasn't long before Catholic Healthcare secured permanent Department of Housing accommodation for Tony in an inner city high-rise building. After 13 years, Tony now had a home.

Through the ACHA Program, Catholic Healthcare finds permanent accommodation for older homeless people (over age 55), which is often the first home they have had for many years. Many of them are estranged from their families and have no support network available.

On his moving day, Tony couldn't wipe the huge smile from his face, and he said “This is my home now, hopefully now everything will be alright. It's the last place I have to hang my hat.”

Patrick Webb, Outreach & Case Manager for the ACHA Program, says “The great thing about this program is that our clients come into our transitional housing with a bag or two, and they move out with a home.”

How you can help

The people that Catholic Healthcare's ACHA program supports have very few possessions, and so they need our help to set them up with all of the basics to make a home.

"One of the areas we are not funded for is furnishings, and we desperately need funds to cover these costs. It's crucial that we can supply all of the items to get them started, as they just don't have the money to set themselves up. It makes an enormous difference to their lives" says Patrick.

It costs $1,250 to provide a complete home-starter kit, however any donation big or small makes a big impact. For example:

$20 will buy saucepans and crockery
$30 will buy a kettle or toaster
$50 will buy a heater
$60 will buy linen (sheets and blankets)
$100 will buy a lounge and chairs
$150 will buy a small television
$250 will buy a bed and mattress

Your donation would make a huge difference to an older person doing it tough, and will help them to get settled and back on their feet. If you would like to donate towards the purchase of furnishings for an older homeless person, please visit our Donate page and specify 'ACHA Program' as the particular service when making your donation.

Please contact our Development Officer on 02 8876 2175 if you would like any more information, or email donate@chcs.com.au