Rev Noreen Towers never imagined that a simple invitation to church would lay the foundations for our iconic homeless refuge in Sydney – Wesley Edward Eagar Centre. But it did.
Noreen was just 23 and starting out as a Wesley Mission minister when she approached two men, who were experiencing homelessness, to attend her new church. These two men were the first to come along to Noreen’s church service, which grew to a congregation of 200 people within its first year.
It quickly became more than a congregation – a refuge for people experiencing homelessness. At first, many just came for bread, jam, a cuppa, Bible study and choir. But as they continued to come back, they found friendship within this church community.
In 1979, Noreen moved her congregation into Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge, now known as Wesley Edward Eagar Centre. For Noreen, it was her compassionate heart that drove her to show genuine care to every person who walked through her refuge door.
“It’s [all about] being there for them. Being that listening ear so people can find support and help,” she says.
Noreen’s legacy lives on through Wesley Edward Eagar Centre, which continues to help thousands of people journey out of homelessness today.
Since opening our first refuge in 1918, Wesley Mission has remained committed to supporting people who don’t have safe places to call home. And it’s because of your commitment we can continue to help people most in need. Your generosity throughout 2022 – 2023 enabled us to provide 85,768 nights of safe and secure accommodation to people experiencing homelessness.
