Inside the work of our homelessness outreach team
It's 6am, and Patrick is already on patrol with his team.
As part of Wesley Mission's Specialist Homeless Services team, he walks through the streets, checks parks and visits known rough-sleeping spots, offering support without pressure.
No agenda. Just a helping hand.
Playing the long game
Some people accept help right away. Others aren't ready. For those who aren't, Patrick's team circles back every few weeks, for as long as it takes. Until they're ready. Even if it's five years later.
"We keep showing up just to build that rapport," says Patrick, who is a Team Leader for Eastern Suburbs & South Sydney.
Patrick has spent years doing just that. For him, it's not just a job; it's a chance to walk alongside people as they rebuild their lives.
"Every day is different. Every person is different," Patrick says. "There's no one-size-fits-all approach. I've learned an incredible amount about people – how to adjust my approach to meet their needs and how to be part of their journey."
Meeting people where they are
That support often starts with a simple conversation – sometimes over lunch, sometimes on a park bench. The team doesn't ask people to come to them. They go wherever that person feels safe.
"We're a mobile case management service," Patrick explains. "The client sets the location, the pace and the tone. We keep it casual and transparent, because it's their life and they should stay in control of it."
When someone is ready, the team helps them move into temporary or crisis accommodation. But housing is just the start.
Navigating complex systems
From there, our team helps navigate the complex systems that can feel impossible without a fixed address – medical appointments, mental health support, dental care and paperwork.
"Filling out 60 pages of paperwork isn't something most people can do, especially if they're living out of a car," Patrick says. "Many don't have access to technology or the skills to navigate those systems. That's where we step in. We help them fill out the forms, upload the documents and take that stress off their plate."
Building trust
Trust is everything. Many people sleeping rough have been let down by systems – by councils, housing departments or other services. That's why Patrick and his team make it clear: they're not there to enforce rules or issue fines. They're there to listen. To support. And to stick around.
"We're not the council. We're not the rangers," Patrick says. "We're here for you. And we'll be here when you're ready."
Watching the transformation
Patrick has seen firsthand how transformative this support can be.
"When you first meet someone, they're so vulnerable, just looking for that one break to start a new life. And then you see the light come back into their face. That's what I love – being part of that journey."
He's proud to work somewhere that puts people first, giving the team the freedom to shape support around each person's needs.
"Every week in our team meetings, we write up the good news stories. Sometimes you've had a tough week, and it's one challenge after another. But then you look at the board and see 10 great outcomes. That's what keeps our drive and passion going."
For Patrick and his team, it's not just about housing. It's about hope. It's about dignity. And it's about showing up, again and again, until someone is ready.
About our homelessness services
Wesley Mission's Specialist Homeless Services team supports people across Sydney, the Central Coast and the Mid North Coast who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We provide accommodation, case management and support to help people navigate complex systems and rebuild their lives.
