A Call for Hope and Compassion
St Bart’s Launches Winter Appeal
Samantha Drury, Chief Executive Officer
As winter settles in, the simple comforts that we often take for granted such as a warm bed, a hot meal, and a safe place to rest become even more vital. For people experiencing homelessness, winter is not just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.
Every day, more people are turning to services like St Bart’s for help, seeking warmth, safety, and support. We help individuals retain accommodation and support them to begin rebuilding their lives with hope and stability.
With cost-of-living and rental affordability pressures impacting a rising number of households, the risk of homelessness is at an all-time high. Often a single event outside a person’s control is the tipping point, events such as job loss, illness, or a relationship breakdown.
At St Bart’s, we provide more than a roof, we provide safety, connection, and a way forward, but we cannot do it alone. There is an important opportunity for us to come together in the spirit of care, compassion, and hope.
Providing a warm bed on a cold night, sharing a meal, and offering a listening ear. These all matter. These acts are all expressions of hope made real through our community. In this, our work is deeply aligned with Anglican values: we recognise the inherent dignity of every person and walk alongside them with compassion and respect.
The 2026 St Bart’s Winter Appeal aims to raise vital funds to directly support vulnerable people who are doing it tough, with donations helping to provide essentials such as warm beds and access to care and support services.
This Winter Appeal we invite everyone to recognise that homelessness is a shared community challenge, and that together, we can be part of the solution. By taking part, whether it is through a donation, volunteering time, or raising awareness, each contribution helps ensure someone has a place of safety and warmth this winter.
Visit stbarts.org.au to learn more.