Hutt Street Centre, Adelaide

On 22nd June seven Daughters of Charity attended a Mass at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide, followed by a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Hutt Street Centre (HSC)

70 years ago, a small group of Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul came to Adelaide at the request of Archbishop Beovich. While much has changed, so much remains the same. HSC lies at the heart of the Catholic Church in Adelaide. From the early vision of Archbishop Beovitch and the early Sisters at St Louise Centre, the Daughters spread to many ministries in the Archdiocese of Adelaide – from school and aged care in Berri, Aged care for the Blind, St Joseph’s Centre for young mothers, to Noarlunga parish. The core vision was the same for each project and service - Seeing Christ in each and every person – and being Christ for all we meet.

Grounded in the vision, model of service and community plans of St Vincent de Paul and St Louise de Marillac – a unique call in 1633 in Paris. This is the heritage of HSC and all Works of the Daughters of Charity. Always searching out those most on the margins, the disadvantaged, those living in poverty. Meeting their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter but more importantly – a kind word, recognition, calling people by name, welcome, acceptance, compassion. Listening is key and learning from each encounter – mutuality in service. Volunteers, including the women of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in the founding days, is still so critical today. Searching for sources of income, benefactors, fundraising, gifts of food and other essentials and later working with Government. Being open to growth and change as different needs emerge. Giving the best quality support, record keeping, new ways of governance. In some ways it all seems so different now but is it really? If we hold firm to the heritage, vision, mission and values does anything really change?

Today HSC remains a place of connection and support, where people facing homelessness are empowered to rebuild their lives. HSC provides a professional, skilled, caring service. The Daughters are proud of HSC today, proud of how the service has adapted to the changing needs of homeless people, the demands of government, and the standards necessary for a best-practice service. Well done to all involved in the HSC – as  we celebrate all that has happened these past 70 years