Did you know 19,600 South Australians (around 1% of the population) have experienced, or been at risk of homelessness this year? Tragically, poverty and adverse circumstances can sometimes take more from an individual than subsequent efforts and best intentions are able to provide.

The State Government recently released its Future Directions for Homelessness strategy revealing the alarming reality that amongst those experiencing homelessness:

• 60% are female, 40% are male and 5% are aged over 55
• 24% are Aboriginal, our first nation’s people
• 34% have experienced domestic and family violence
• 29% are experiencing mental illness
• 29% (5700) of these are vulnerable and innocent children.

Baptist Care SA is missionally committed to playing a key leadership role to address these many challenges. We work collaboratively with other quality organisations that share our commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Baptist Care SA is inspired by the servant heart of Jesus Christ and encouraged by the heritage of faithful people who secured property for Christian mission in Adelaide’s CBD in 1848.

With one eye keenly fixed upon biblical justice and the other on social justice… and with both eyes focused upon people living on the streets and struggling to raise children under layers of adversity, we have embarked upon major service planning and facility redevelopment processes. We expect this will lead to us re-focusing and re-positioning our Homelessness Support Services and upgrading our WestCare Centre and facilities for the next 50-100 years of service to the SA community.

I invite you to pray faithfully with us and seek to serve others respectfully in whatever way you can. Could you join the growing community of contributors that share our desire to make a positive and enduring difference?

May God bless you as you consider and respond to these challenges and opportunities.

Graham Brown
CEO