A new Church-led sanctuary in Southport is tackling Gold Coast homelessness head-on. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay blessed and opened Philermos House, which was the product of a partnership between Southport parish and the Order of Malta.
Among the supporters at the official opening was local parishioner Irene Cooper, originally from Malta and part of the parish since 1995.
“This is the best project ever that this Southport Catholic Church has undertaken,” Ms Cooper said. “It is very well needed because there are so many homeless people in the area.”
Alana Laudy is the “operational engine” bringing Philermos House to life. A social worker with 30 years of Gold Coast experience, Ms Laudy became centre manager in February when the site was still a construction zone.
She said it was such a thrill seeing electricity turned on and setting up donated furniture weeks before opening.
Having spent years co-ordinating Sunday meals at the parish’s Angel’s Kitchen, Ms Laudy’s service was a natural continuation.
“I had someone last week say to me, ‘the most special part is coming somewhere where someone uses your name’. For me, hearing that, that’s the best part of my job.”
She said the facility relied on community goodwill, from lounge furniture to back-room clothing and torches.
The opening of Philermos House caps years of dedicated effort led by Fr Gerard McMorrow, who became Southport Parish Priest in 2020, and Order of Malta north eastern regional hospitaller Danny Higgins.
Fr McMorrow said the parish had served the disadvantaged for decades through Angel’s Kitchen and the parish saw the rising need and decided to make this next step.
“Today, we celebrate not only the opening of this centre but the shared commitment, compassion, and hope that have made it possible,” Fr McMorrow said.
Archbishop Mackinlay said Philermos House was a direct embodiment of Christian discipleship. He said Philermos House aimed not just at immediate relief, but to long-term empowerment.
“A facility like this helps people not just to continue coming back… but to be in a spot where they can move forward from here to be more able to provide for their own needs, draw on their own resources, and live more fully,” he said.
FULL STORY
Southport parish and Order of Malta open new shelter to serve homeless and vulnerable on Gold Coast (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader
