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Dee's Story

Dee stayed at Vinnies Tom Fisher House and found a pathway out of homelessness

Vinnies Tom Fisher House is an intensive intervention service for people experiencing long-term homelessness. The service supports people on the fringes of society who face complex challenges that may prevent them from accessing other mainstream programs. The stays are free, and there are few barriers to entry.

Dee is a woman experiencing chronic homelessness. She visited Vinnies Tom Fisher House for interval breaks from sleeping rough on the streets. The shelter is one of the few crisis accommodation services that Dee has been able to access for several years.

To support Dee’s stay at Vinnies Tom Fisher House, the team worked patiently with her to understand the underlying issues behind her being homeless. By listening closely to Dee’s needs, the team created a support plan which included letting her know before the police came on-site as they triggered her anxiety.

Over time and continuous relationship building, Dee expressed a desire to engage with an official caseworker in 2021. Since then, a Street-to-Home worker has connected with Dee and provided a flexible and person-centred approach to support her.

Dee is no longer sleeping rough on the streets. She is warm and safe in secure accommodation at a new service with continued support from her case manager.

By supporting Vinnies, you are helping people on the margins, like Dee, access compassionate support, improve their well-being and transform their lives.

Did you know?

Tom Fisher House is one of the few homeless shelters in Perth that allow clients to keep their pet dog with them during their stay.

Tom Fisher House is one of the few homeless shelters in Perth that allow clients to keep their pet dog with them during their stay.

Many people who are experiencing homelessness own pets that play an important role in their lives. These much-loved pets offer unconditional love and companionship. At Tom Fisher House furry companions are welcome!
Tom Fisher House is named after a long-serving volunteer member of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Tom Fisher House is named after a long-serving volunteer member of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Tom Fisher, the last crewman of the HMAS Sydney promised that if he survived World War II, he would dedicate the rest of his life to the service of others. Tom kept his promise and in 1961 he became a member of St Vincent de Paul Society (WA) where served the Perth community to the tender age of 95. Today, the centre named after him continues offering the same compassion, support and hope Tom provided to many during his time with the charity.