New Horizon House West Leederville opens to support young parents and their babies
St John of God Health Care has celebrated the official opening of Horizon House West Leederville, a new facility designed to provide safe housing and holistic support for young parents, and their babies, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
31 Oct 2025
From left: Sister Una O’Loughlin representing the Sisters of St John of God, St John of God Health Care Board Chair the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, St John of God Health Care, Group CEO Bryan Pyne, Honourable Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government, Disability Services; Volunteering; Youth; Gascoyne, St John of God Health Care Trustees Chair the Honourable Neville Owen AO, Former Horizon House resident and guest speaker, Sophie Lawson, St John of God Social Outreach CEO, Susan Cantwell, Presiding celebrant, Reverend Heri Leba CSsR.
The $5.6 million investment features six fully furnished one-bedroom apartments, a shared kitchen, and landscaped gardens. It was made possible thanks to generous supporters along with a Lotterywest grant of almost $800,000.
More than a home, Horizon House provides wrap-around services that help young parents aged 16 - 22 to continue their education, develop life skills, access employment, and remain socially connected.
St John of God Social Outreach Chief Executive Officer, Susan Cantwell said the West Leederville home was the 13th Horizon House established across Western Australia and Victoria and was an important expression of the organisation’s Mission.
“Pregnancy and early parenting are pivotal times in life, and without the right support, they can also be very vulnerable times. St John of God Horizon House West Leederville will give young parents not only a safe place to live, but also the skills, connections and confidence to build a brighter future for themselves and their children,” Ms Cantwell said.
“Importantly residents will continue to receive support for up to two years after leaving, helping them establish lasting independence,” she said.
St John of God Health Care Group CEO Bryan Pyne said the Horizon House program first launched in 2003 and reflected St John of God Health Care’s enduring commitment to respond to unmet community needs.
“For more than 20 years, St John of God Horizon House has been helping young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness. This new home extends that support to more young parents; breaking cycles of disadvantage and giving the next generation the best possible start in life,” Mr Pyne said.
“It will offer healing, hope and a greater sense of dignity, especially to those most in need.”
St John of God Horizon House West Leederville was officially opened on 28 October 2025 with a blessing by Reverend Heri Leba CSsR and keynote addresses from the Hon Hannah Beazley MLA, representing the Premier of WA and Minister for Local Government; Disability Services; Volunteering; Youth; Gascoyne, and St John of God Social Outreach CEO Susan Cantwell.
Find out more about St John of God Horizon House at: www.sjog.org.au/horizonhouse
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