CatholicCare is not just for Catholics. That's the message from a new strategic plan the social service organisation releases today.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, CatholicCare delivers more than 50 programs and services in Canberra and southern NSW.
Chief executive Anne Kirwan said the launch of a new direction was intended to inform people about the breadth and availability of services.
"We're really trying to challenge the perception in the community that we're only there for Catholics," Ms Kirwan said.
"We want to let everyone know that we service the whole community. It doesn't matter what race, religion, sexuality or gender you are, if you need our services, our doors are open to you."
Ms Kirwan said demand for assistance continued to grow despite the ACT's relative affluence.
"We're seeing there is increased pressure on our counselling and mental health services, and our homelessness services are always full," she said.
"Over 1700 people sleep rough every night in the ACT.
"We're seeing increased demand in schools for counselling from parents and students.
"Then there's the NDIS, which is a big growth area for all disability service providers, responding to people with need."
Ms Kirwan said there's a lot of hidden poverty in the ACT, but it's becoming more noticeable.
"You actually see it more now, when you go into Civic or you go to the government offices, you see people sleeping rough on the ground outside," she said.
"You didn't see that 10 or 20 years ago; there's definitely a change because it's so expensive to live in the ACT and housing is less affordable, causing a flow-on effect to our services."
CatholicCare is funded mainly by governments through grants and Ms Kirwan said the NDIS represented a growth area.
"It's been a learning experience for us, but we're now out of the trial and assisting people through the new model," she said.
"We have about 400 people at the moment who we are working with.
"We provide a range of services such as supported accommodation, domestic assistance, personal care, travel, social opportunities and we provide a 24-hour acquired brain injury service.
"We're trying to expand the range of services that we offer.
"The overwhelming message from our clients is that the NDIS is working for them.
"I think it is difficult for families to navigate the system, which continues to be a challenge, and part of our role is to support them."
Ms Kirwan said CatholicCare employs 280 staff and volunteers who adhere to Catholic values of social teaching, including treating people with respect and dignity, and working for the common good.