Sacred Heart Mission upgrade to give boost to St Kilda homeless

The four-stage, $27.3 million upgrade of Sacred Heart Mission’s buildings on Grey St, given the green light by Port Phillip Council recently, will see two existing aged care buildings brought under one roof and the number of beds increased from 83 to 93.

The upgrade also includes the merging of a 14-bed supported rooming house, an expanded allied health clinic, an expanded open-access support centre for women, Women’s House, and a centralised administration building.

The Federal Government has forked out $8.85 million for the project, with the rest being raised through donations and fundraising events.

Chief executive Cathy Humphrey said the existing aged care and Women’s House buildings “soon won’t be fit for purpose” amid rising demand.

Ms Humphrey said the upgrades meant the mission could “more effectively support the increasing number of people who are experiencing homelessness” in Port Phillip.

“Homelessness in the City of Port Phillip has risen by 32 per cent over the past five years (and) we know from our experience that providing integrated services is more efficient and effective,” she said.

“This significant project will provide more care for people with complex needs and provide better outcomes for those able to live more independently.

“By providing a greater range of accommodation and support we can prevent the need for premature entry into residential aged care services and have a positive impact on the number of older Australians living in unsuitable housing or on the street.”

Almost 40 per cent of residents in Sacred Heart Mission’s aged care facilities are under 64 and almost 75 per cent are aged under 74 on admission.

Work to prepare the site is expected to start this month.

The project will be completed in four stages and is expected to be finished by 2021.

Services will remain open during the redevelopment.