The Power of Hope 

29 October 2024

When we say we want to offer hope to those experiencing homelessness, it might seem like something secondary to the immediate necessities like shelter, food, or a warm shower. But here at St Bart’s, hope is far more than just a concept—it’s a force for change. We witness every day the impact that hope has on people’s lives, showing us that hope is as vital as any material need.

You might ask, how does hope make any difference when someone is at rock bottom, without a home or support, unsure of where their next meal will come from? How can hope matter more than simply surviving another day? The answer lies in purpose. When someone has hope, they have a reason to strive for more, to rebuild, to dream of a life beyond their current struggles.

Without hope, there is no purpose; without purpose, there’s no motivation to take those steps toward a better life. Hope is something everyone needs, regardless of circumstances. Even those with seemingly perfect lives, those with wealth, success, and security, lean on hope as they look toward their futures. For those without these things, hope becomes the spark that keeps them moving forward.

At St Bart’s, hope starts with our leadership. In the not-for-profit world, passion is woven into the very fabric of our teams. Our leaders inspire not only by guiding, but by truly believing in the possibility of change. That belief is contagious; it inspires our staff to invest their whole selves into making a difference, to go beyond just doing a job and become part of a purpose. Here, small ideas gather momentum and become waves of change that ripple through the organisation and beyond.

Take our recent Say G’day campaign as an example. This started as a simple idea a few years ago, born from the desire to give people experiencing homelessness a sense of dignity, recognition and hope. This year, nearly the entire Perth CBD was lit up in a brilliant blue in support, a powerful symbol of solidarity. We are now dreaming even bigger for 2025—imagine a photograph from space, taken by NASA, capturing Perth aglow in blue, visible from above.

The change that begins with our leaders doesn’t just stop at our staff. It reaches our residents. We have seen countless times the empowering moment when someone begins to believe in their future again. Watching someone move from despair to hope is a privilege, a reminder of why we do what we do. It is this very essence of our work at St Bart’s that makes each day meaningful.

This is why, when we open our doors to those who have been living on the streets, we provide more than just a bed, a meal, or a shower. St Bart’s is a place where people can rekindle their dreams. We offer hope—and this hope drives us forward, reminding us that with every life we touch, we are building a future where everyone has a chance to thrive.

If you would like to help St Bart’s, there are many things you can do, including donating here or you can volunteer your time here. Alternatively, you could like and share this with your friends and family.