The Sisters’ Place
The Sisters’ Place, a night shelter for the temporary homeless women of Fremantle, WA is an outcome of five religious congregations of women religious who met together over many months from 2005-2007, with the intention of combining their efforts over a common project. Loreto Sister Marg Finlay is part of this group of sisters.
She reports:
The first women came to the Sisters’ Place in July 2007. We provide accommodation for up to seven women per night. We do not turn people away, so in cases of emergency we have a couch and some extra mattresses.
The Sisters’ Place runs with the help of a manager and several sisters and volunteers. The shifts require two people, who together look after ‘pick up’, ‘sleep over’ or return the women to the St Patrick’s Outreach Centre in Fremantle in the mornings.
From July 2007 to October 2010, The Sisters’ Place has provided over 3000 safe sleeps for 130 women. That is an amazing figure for a small group of volunteers! Whilst we do not often receive or expect thanks from the women themselves the fact that they continue to come shows that we are responding to their need. Those of us who are here most often and have more contact with the women are able to see the benefits to them, not only the safe sleep but also the effect this has on their lives.
Some of the long-term homeless women have been able to move into more permanent housing because their improved behaviour and appearance has enabled them to connect with the housing authority. Others have found shelter at the Sisters’ Place as circumstances have taken them to the streets, while they await more permanent accommodation. Even for those who continue to live on the streets, most do not have extended periods of alcohol and the other abuse they displayed when they first came. This has given some the opportunity to reconnect with families and for some to be able stay with family members, for at least short periods.
We did not plan any of this, or even foresee the possibilities, but just our care of them and the dignity they are shown, even in the most trying moments, translates into much more than safety at night. We did receive a beautiful email of thanks from a young woman who was down on her luck at a certain time in her life.
She said,
“Hi, my name is Suzi*, and I stayed with you in early February 2008. I once needed help and you ladies helped me. I had made a mistake and got separated from my daughter and could not get back to her. I’m not sure if any of you ladies will remember me, but I will always remember the love and support you gave me for those few short days and I will always try to pass it on.
"I remember one of the sisters running across the park at the Fremantle Station to catch up with me. I remember having my first shower – feeling so clean. I remember sitting up and doing a crossword and you ladies making me laugh. I remember sleeping in a nice, clean, crisp bed. And I remember being given $20 so I could get my daughter.
"Thanks for making me feel not so alone out there in Fremantle.
Good news now! My daughter is with me and she is in her first year at high school and we are together! We have a nice house and I am currently employed as a youth worker and I’m studying a diploma of justice. So, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.”
*name changed to protect identity
The Sisters’ Place is well-managed and comes under the umbrella of St Patrick’s Parish Outreach. The Government and local Council support us in many ways. We are all very grateful to be associated with this ministry to the temporarily homeless women of Fremantle.