A Rooftop Garden Bringing Hope and Connection

"By making a good area great, we show the men we care for them."
Rotary Down Under highlighted the Rotary Club of North Hobart's partnership with Bethlehem House, Hobart's men's homelessness shelter, where club volunteers helped transform a rooftop courtyard into a welcoming garden space through a Rotary Foundation-supported District Grant. The project demonstrates how practical service, community partnerships and simple acts of care can help restore dignity, connection and wellbeing for vulnerable members of our community.
Source: Rotary Down Under, June 2024
https://rotarydownunder.org/bethlehem-house/


"Beth House Rooftop Blooms"
19 June, 2024|Community News|A group of enthusiastic volunteers from the Rotary Club of North Hobart recently donated a collection of potted plants and outdoor furniture to brighten up Bethlehem House’s rooftop garden.
Rotarian Brian Claridge said the collective effort was just one step in a long history of the club supporting the St Vincent De Paul Society of Tasmania’s (Vinnies) work.
“We started donating leftover food from our Bunnings’ sausage sizzles to Bethlehem House a few years ago and when additional funding was available, we knew we wanted to do more to help the residents,” he said.
“Having previously donated plants to the former Bethlehem House in Warwick St and witnessing the positive impact this had on residents, we knew that providing the same thing for the new rooftop space would have a similar impact.
“We purchased several tables and, with the help of a few residents in the Bethlehem House workshop, made them suitable for outdoor use.
“As the collection of plants grow over time, they will provide a more welcoming atmosphere with vibrant colour and will also deliver some private spaces.”

Source: Hobart Observer, 19 June 2024