Sacred Heart Mission
Then newly appointed parish priest, Fr Ernie Smith, offered a welcoming response to those who came to the presbytery door seeking food and shelter.
By 1984 a manager was appointed, other welfare activities supporting people who were homeless, isolated and disadvantaged were taking shape and Sacred Heart Mission was set up as a separate legal entity.
In 2015-2016 the Mission had a budget of $18.7m[6] which is drawn from federal, state and local government funding, philanthropic, corporate and individual donations, fundraising events, bequests, grants, income from its clinic appointments and residential fees, and its op shops.
Four paid kitchen staff, three trainee chefs and 25 rostered volunteers provide a nutritious three-course lunch daily for around 350 people.
[8] Regular donors to the meals program include Junee Abattoirs, Davies Bakery, Dobsons potatoes, Monte Coffee/Bean Alliance, Susan Day cakes, Carmen's Muesli, Nuttelex and Lion (Milk).
During his years at the Mission, Fr Ernie struck up a relationship with stallholders at the Footscray Wholesale Market (now in Epping) which continues today, with many donating fresh fruit and vegetables weekly.
[9] In addition, former commercial flower grower Les Baguley has since 1999 been donating to the meals program vegetables and herbs that he grows on his Heatherton farm.
[13] The Mission's clinic offers various of services and complementary therapies such as hairdressing, counselling, podiatry, acupuncture, naturopathy and Reiki, all conducted by volunteer practitioners.
[18] Bethlehem Community merged with Sacred Heart Mission in July 2015 and provides medium to long term accommodation to support homeless women in Victoria.
The iconic building was designed by revered mid-century architect Robin Boyd and the Rolling Stones stayed in the motor inn in 1965.
[26] A team of staff and volunteers provide support to 75 elderly people living within the cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington and Glen Eira.
It aims to help build the skills and knowledge to start practicing a sport, while addressing their physical and mental health, drug or alcohol use.
[28] People with complex needs and mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues are offered case management and referred for secondary consultation.
Funded from both philanthropic sources and government, this program relies on service partnerships with several health, welfare and social research agencies.
[31] With the results of this evaluation, Sacred Heart Mission started the second phase of the J2SI project, expanding it to more people and a wider geographical area.
[32] A pastoral team of three, including the parish priest, extends companionship and spiritual support and comfort to people who, at the end of their life, may have no family at hand.
Sacred Heart Mission generates enormous goodwill and this is evident in the events which receive both financial and gift-in-kind support from corporate organisations, businesses, foundations and individuals.
It is hosted by Brian Nankervis[33] and some of the prominent Australian musicians and comedians who have performed pro bono include: Paul Kelly, Jon Stevens, Jimeoin, Des Dowling, Dan Sultan, Kate Ceberano, Dave Hughes, Adalita, Tex Perkins, Rebecca Barnard and Icehouse.The concert was the idea of a few people involved in The Community Cup, an Australian Rules football match played annually between two non-footballing communities (typically musicians and comedians).
[35] An intimate sporting-themed dinner “Dine with the Champions” takes place each year to raise money for Sacred Heart Mission's sports and recreation program.
The Mission has also been involved with "Batting for the Battlers" over the years – a charity cricket match at the Peanut Farm Oval in St Kilda with celebrities competing in the teams Veg Out vs The Vineyard.
In 2001 she asked friends to donate to the Mission in lieu of birthday gifts and later that year, at Christmas time, helped to distribute 400 hampers.
[42] Thirteen op shops sell donated goods and cater to people wanting to support the circular economy and buy preloved second-hand items.
Located in St Kilda, East St Kilda, South Melbourne, Prahran, Chapel Street, Bentleigh, Elsternwick, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Cheltenham, Northcote, Hawthorn, and Preston, the shops raise 30% of the funds needed to run the various programs Sacred Heart Mission provide to people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.
