“I was standing on my own struggling”: How Hobart’s Bethlehem House changed man’s life

From a successful career in finance to living out of his car, James* shares the impact a Hobart refuge for men has had on his ability to overcome the stigma associated with asking for help.

Bethlehem House manager, Ian Robertson with resident James. Picture: Linda Higginson

As a successful stock broker for 30 years James* never expected to be living in a centre for homeless men.

He never thought he’d be relying on a charity he once donated to.

But a divorce and ill health reluctantly saw him on the doorstop of Hobart’s Bethlehem House, a refuge for homeless men for 50 years.

Faced with sleeping in his car, filled to the brim with all his belongings, he has nothing but praise for centre staff.

“I have achieved more in three days than the last fractured six months.

“I was standing on my own and struggling. People are kind and gracious but it is embarrassing to be in this predicament.

Bethlehem House manager, Ian Robertson with resident James. Picture: Linda Higginson

“The staff are amazing and respond to any and all requests and have thought laterally about my needs.

“My options improved with their contributions as they have experience and knowledge that has not been needed in life, until now.”

James, 62, moved to Tasmania five years ago, to be nearer to his son who has since returned to Melbourne, and said being on a disability pension, it became a choice between paying bills or buying food.

When he approached Bethlehem House he was “resolved to being underrated or berated”.

James’ car with all of his belongings. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I was mistaken. Two staff counselled me, no inquisition. Trepidly I conveyed my situation and challenges ahead. They, bless them, had already accepted me and offered a place to rest.”

James says he is privileged to move into a new accommodation pod.

“Having met new, caring people a problem shared is a problem halved.”

Ian Robertson manages the centre that caters for 65 homeless men at two city sites and says with rising cost of living more are seeking a place to stay.

“The change began about 18 months ago when the men who had previously been staying with family or friends, couch surfing, or living in sheds because of rent rises eventually outstayed their welcome and became homeless.

James’ Car with all of his belongings. Picture: Linda Higginson

“This hasn’t stopped and we are now seeing men arrive who no longer can afford to rent and feed themselves at the same time.”

Bethlehem House began in 1973 for men “to find a bed, get a shower and clean your clothes from about teatime”.

“Now, it provides four meals a day, full 24/7 365-day services that include, case management, support workers, counselling covering drugs and alcohol, anger and grief management, family violence, gambling, porn addiction and group sessions both on and offline,” Mr Robertson said.

The men have access to a trained psychologist and a specialised innovative employment program called Team JobOP created and run by Bethlehem House.

“The staff at Beth House, as we like to call it, all know we’re just the current custodians of an idea that began 50 years ago,” Mr Robertson says.

“We come to work because of the men we help.”