Sacred Heart Mission was founded in 1982 by the Parish Priest, Fr Ernie Smith. What began with the simple act of sharing a meal with a homeless man has grown into a substantial agency which serves as a lifeline to the homeless and thousands of people in need of the basic necessities of life - food, clothing, emergency relief, accommodation and companionship.

The original objectives of the Sacred Heart Mission were 'To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless and visit those who are lonely or in prison'. The current activities of the Mission reflect these objectives but in recent times other vital, supplementary services have been introduced. Our services work together to create a supportive environment, in which clients are able to develop pathways out of street prostitution and homelessness.

We celebrate our origins and acknowledge our continuing partnership with the Sacred Heart Parish.
We accept our responsibility to meet the needs of the homeless and the disadvantaged in the Parish and neighbouring area.
We welcome all in need of Mission Services.
We acknowledge individual differences, as well as the intrinsic value and dignity of every person.
We foster self worth as a means of empowering individuals to gain control of their lives.
We challenge and advocate change to structures that perpetuate poverty and disadvantage.
We confront injustice within the community.
We work collaboratively with others to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives.

To provide a Christian response to people’s needs through accepting Jesus as our model, as well as the source and soul of the Mission’s life and spirit.
To recognize the value of others, through being with, welcoming, accepting and acknowledging the dignity of all those with whom we come in contact.
To assist people to take control of their lives through fostering in others a sense of self worth and acknowledging the intrinsic merit of each individual in all our actions.
To create a sense of community amongst the parishioners of the parish and all those in need, through an understanding of what it means to be ‘church’ in St Kilda.
To respond to the demands of justice in faith, and challenge unjust structures in our society, through carrying out, in practical ways, Jesus’ call to ‘feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless and visit those who are lonely or in prison’.