Our Values and Behaviour

Research show that 50% of people who are homeless are women

Up to 60 women a month need the services of our Emergency Program

Women experiencing homelessness require specialist support services to cater for their particular needs

A large proportion of the homeless population is affected by mental illness

Supported Accommodation Programs

 

Catherine House has four types of supported accommodation programs available namely:

Emergency Supported Accommodation Program - One House

1. Emergency Program

  • 24 hour 7 days a week on-site staff
  • 16 clients
  • Individual bedrooms
  • Shared lounges, bathrooms and laundry facilities
  • Full Board
  • Stay up to one month, occasionally longer for specific reasons
  • On-site Co-morbidity Clinician
  • Outreach Worker available upon exit
  • Case Management approach
  • Visiting Services: Free Legal Clinic, RDNS, Centrelink

If you would like to support the work of this Program click here

Transitional Supported Accommodation Programs - 15 Houses

Two transitional programs: the Moving On Program and the Recovery Program. In either program, clients can stay 6/12 months.


2. Moving On Program

Independent Living Units and Town Houses

  • Two staff on-site Monday to Friday – Case Management approach
  • Two-bedroom units/town houses
  • Children can stay for short periods
  • Fully self-contained

If you would like to support the work of this Program click here


3. Recovery Program - Specialist Mental Health Program

  • 24 hour 7 days a week on-site staff
  • 12 clients
  • 7 clients live in one house with full board; 5 clients live independently with support
  • Psychosocial Model - low, med, high levels of support available
  • Successful transfer strategies
  • Increased responsibilities – Recovery Model
  • Inter-dependent Pathways Program
  • Integration into wider community activities 
  • Consumer participation program 
  • Wellbeing program
  • Crisis management and relapse prevention
  • Outreach service.

Flexibility and adaptability are key aspects when working with consumers to develop case plans that promote and encourage recovery in mental wellness.

If you would like to support the work of this Program click here

Permanent Supported Accommodation Program

4. Permanent Supported Accommodation

This is our first permanent accommodation site - specifically available to women with a mental illness who have a preference to live in a congregate living setting. It is a Catherine House/Mental Health Services partnership project.

  • Friendly welcoming environment
  • 24 hour 7 days a week 
  • All meals and housekeeping service provided
  • Passive sleepover staff
  • 12 residents
  • Each resident has her own beautifully appointed room with en-suite bathroom
  • Two lounge areas; one activity space; office and sleepover room
  • Mental health key worker assigned to support residents
  • Other non-clinical visiting support services 

Residents encouraged to participate in the range of educational courses and other opportunities offered at Sagarmatha – the Catherine House Education and Employment Centre.


High quality stimulating living environment; approach keenly underpinned by Rehab and Recovery Principles.