Perth: Located near McIver Train Station, the Moore Street Hub has grown into a crucial support centre for Perth’s homeless. Open Monday to Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM, and on Sunday mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM, it provides vital services like hot meals, healthcare, and hygiene facilities. Originally a small operation, the Hub now helps hundreds of people weekly, offering more than just food – it provides dignity and care.
Missionaries of Charity
The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, play a significant role in the Hub. Every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning, they serve hot dogs and pies with love and humility. “We follow Mother Teresa’s example of serving the poor with compassion,” says Sister Ruby, reinforcing the importance of care beyond the material.
The Sisters of Charity primarily fund their work through donations from individuals, religious communities, and organizations, following Mother Teresa’s belief in divine providence. They've served Perth's homeless for several years, especially at the Moore Street Hub, providing meals and support on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Typically, 5-6 sisters are active in Perth, focusing on offering compassion, food, and spiritual care. Nationally, the Sisters have a strong presence in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, providing essential services such as food distribution, healthcare, and shelter for the poor and marginalized. They rely heavily on volunteers and partnerships with local organizations to maximize their impact.
The Power of Volunteers
The heart of the Hub lies in its volunteers and the Australian Red Cross.
Steph and Darren from Perth Home and Support are key figures, working on busy Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings. “We serve meals, distribute food, and offer services like the Street Doctor and laundry facilities,” says Steph, a volunteer of three years. Up to 700 people come on Sundays, drawn by both the meals and the sense of community.
Margaret, a volunteer for over two years, leads a team from the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization. She lives by the motto, "Love All, Serve All," encouraging everyone to join. “The more, the merrier,” she says, emphasizing the collective effort to make a difference.
The City of Perth complements the Hub’s work through various homelessness initiatives, such as:
Extended Day Centre Hours: Providing access to food, medical care, and hygiene services daily from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Safe Night Shelter: Offering vulnerable individuals, especially women, a safe place to sleep.
Coordinated Homeless Services: Enhancing collaboration among shelters and outreach programs.
State Government and Community Support
The State Government has ramped up efforts with programs like Djuripiny Mia, which aims to provide up to 100 homes for rough sleepers, and Wandjoo Bidi, an initiative offering immediate housing solutions for up to 35 individuals in need. These programs reflect a significant step toward alleviating homelessness, demonstrating the importance of both governmental and community-based support.
Community support is urgently needed. Volunteers emphasize that every contribution makes a difference: "The more hands, the stronger we become." Whether it’s pre-cooked meals, fresh fruits, or clothing, families and individuals are encouraged to bring what they can to the Hub. With increased involvement, Perth can build a compassionate future where no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.