A story of hope through St John of God Casa Venegas

6 Aug 2025

Not everyone knows about St John of God Casa Venegas, but if you are a caregiver, patient, or supporter of St John of God Health Care you are helping make its life-changing work possible.

Casa Venegas is part of St John of God Social Outreach services. Based in Sydney, it provides safe, supported accommodation for people experiencing mental health challenges who are at risk of homelessness. Through trauma-informed, strengths-based care, St John of God Casa Venegas supports individuals to stabilise, recover and rebuild their lives.

Andy, 67, is one of those people. He lives in long-term housing and works as a handyman. But just a few years ago, things looked very different.

“I was in a minimum-security ward with 30 other people who had mental illness. The only relief was a walk around the yard where I could meditate or watch TV.”

Andy was referred to St John of God Casa Venegas during this time.

“It came as a great relief to be somewhere I could be my own man for the first time in about five years.”

More than just housing, the support he received was personal, respectful, and consistent.

“I felt listened to, supported, and understood. This was very important to me as an alcoholic, I needed to live in a safe and happy environment.”

St John of God Casa Venegas gave Andy the chance to regain independence and find new purpose.

“If I was left to my own devices such as trying to get accommodation on the open market, I doubt without support I would have stayed sober and would have probably ended up homeless, in jail, or another institution.”

“While I lived in Auburn with Casa Venegas, I told the staff I wanted to start a handyman business and they said, ‘Do you want a job?’”

That moment led to eight years of ongoing work and connection. Today, Andy is not only thriving, he is supporting others.

“I learned I am a worthwhile human being, and given a chance without the confines of mental illness and without the worry of losing my accommodation, I have now a long-term housing commission placement. I can help other people on their journey to peace in mind and a hopeful outlook on life.”

“Being mentally ill, especially with alcoholism, there is a greater chance of homelessness, loneliness and a feeling of hopelessness. Organisations like Casa Venegas give breathing space to find your feet.”

This Homelessness Week, we celebrate stories like Andy’s and thank every person in the St John of God Health Care community whose support makes stories like his possible.