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homeless manJohn of God was moving in a circle of poverty in which he met men and women who had nowhere to sleep.

Casa Venegas

St John of God Casa Venegas provides home style accommodation on a medium to long term basis for homeless people with mental health problems.

Casa Venegas is one of St John of God Health Care's Social Outreach and Advocacy services.

People suffering from mental health disorders make up one of the most severely disadvantaged groups in society. Over 30% of homeless people suffer from some form of mental illness or substance abuse. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 100,000 people in Australia are homeless on any given night, with up to 20% under the age of 20.

Community-support homes

Casa Venegas has homes in the west and the inner city of Sydney, offering residents independence, improved quality of life and dignity by:

  • Treating each person as a unique individual.
  • Providing each resident with their own room and respecting their right to privacy.
  • Providing recreational, vocational and social opportunities.
  • Having friendly support and assistance ready when required.
  • Providing professional support and advocacy regarding residents' entitlements.
  • Instilling a sense of hope through structured support services and the provision of role models.
  • Offering residents the means to ultimately transition to independent living.

We currently have residents living in community support houses and one bedroom units. Some of these residents receive full board and lodgings in high support houses. All residents have access to 24-hour on call assistance; assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, laundry, personal care and household budgeting; assistance with co-ordinating ongoing clinical management with case managers and GPs in the community.

homeless man and dogRegular supportive visits from Casa Venegas staff and volunteers encourage:

  • Trust and communication between residents.
  • A family atmosphere in Casa Venegas homes.
  • The peace and security that a safe and stable home life can provide.

Service name

Casa Venegas was so named because John of God, who ministered to the sick in Granada, Spain, in the 16th century, would shelter at night inside the vestibule of Don Miguel, a respected and wealthy citizen of Granada. Don Miguel's home was called Casa Venegas. John of God was moving in a circle of poverty in which he met men and women who had nowhere to sleep. He felt he could not accept Don Miguel's hospitality and leave the poor, sick and weak spending their nights crouched in doorways and being hunted off by night watchmen, so he invited some of these people to share his good fortune and shelter with him within the entrance of Casa Venegas. It was from his Casa Venegas experience that John went on to found his hospitals.

Contact Casa Venegas

Casa Venegas
13 Moore Street
Strathfield  NSW  2135
Tel: (02) 9715 9231
Fax: (02) 9715 9319