Our story
In 2013 a group from The Wesley Centre for Life Enrichment visited the Prahran Mission in Chapel Street.
18 months later in February 2015 the three city Churches in Geelong – St. Mary’s (Catholic Church), Christ Church (Anglican) & Wesley Uniting Church in Yarra Street reviewed social needs in Geelong and focused efforts on addressing homelessness and social isolation.
For the next 18 months the three Churches gathered together to form a planning & management group: Wendy Leigh, Michael Nolan, Gary McIlvena, Des Younghusband, Peter Gador-Whyte (minister at Wesley), Colin Hastings and other reps attended. Visits were made to the St Kilda Mission, Prahran Mission & the St Mary’s House of Welcome in Brunswick to inspect operational structures & how to do things well.
We began to invite people to become volunteers & looked at training for these folk.
Our Values
Inclusion
Breaking down barriers to include people who feel isolated & disengaged.
Compassion
Standing beside people and respecting their unique stories.
Dignity
Honouring the worth of each person regardless of their circumstances.
Community
Connecting people to each other and the wider community.
Diversity
Respecting our differences and learning from each other.
Our Mission
To provide a safe and welcoming place for people to meet and be supported as valued members of our community.
Our Vision
To improve the life and wellbeing of people living in the Geelong area who maybe homeless, lonely and socially isolated.
All people are welcome whether they are homeless or not.
What we do
The Lazarus Centre is a place for people to feel safe and welcome.
Somewhere where they can take a shower, wash and dry their clothes, have a light lunch, participate in activities, meet with volunteers and receive support from specialist homelessness staff.
All people are welcome whether they are homeless or not.
Open 7 days a week
Connect vulnerable people with service they need
Provide meals, showers, clothes and company
Supportive Environment
Make a donation
Donate today and make a difference in our community with Lazarus Community Centre.
Make a real impact
Come join us in making a meaningful difference. Your warmth and time can brighten our clients day.
