About Us

Our Mission

Inspired by Jesus Christ, our mission is to support the Church as it provides accommodation to
people in need and journeys with each person, offering physical, social, emotional and spiritual care as an expression of God’s love.

Our Vision

More than a place to stay.

We recognize that homelessness is not just a lack of shelter. The Church is uniquely positioned and called to care for ‘the least of these’ (Matt 25:40)

Our Values

Integrity

  • In honouring God we honour people
  • We are transparent and accountable
  • We treat all people with respect and dignity

Community

  • Each person matters
  • We prioritise connection and inclusion
  • We journey with people towards stability

Unity

  • We work together as the Church
  • We collaborate with others

Our Story

Stable One was born out of the personal journey of our founder, Jenny, and the prayers of the Church.

Jenny writes …

In 2016 whilst volunteering at a foodbank in Lilydale, I had the privilege of meeting and assisting people who were struggling to make ends meet and had my eyes well and truly opened to the issue of homelessness in my community. In my mind, this was a city issue, not one experienced amongst the leafy rail trails and wineries of the Yarra Valley. It turned out that there were men, women and children, who were my neighbours, sleeping in cars, in parks and reserves, on friend’s couches, or in sheds and on porches.

An ecumenical prayer group came together to ask God what we could do to make a difference. We believed God was showing us three things:

Be the Church – work together (1 Cor 12: 27)
Love Like Jesus (Matthew 25:35-40)
He cares about the ‘one’.
If you only help one person, it’s still worth trying (Luke 15)

Research highlighted great work already happening in our community - 26 emergency relief services were offering food parcels, meals, clothing, assistance with bills, etc. The critical need that was not being met, however, was for safe, affordable housing.

We continued to pray regularly and saw answers in the form of people who had different experiences and knowledge of projects in other places around the world. Three different projects in three different countries were brought to our attention, all doing similar things – offering crisis shelter to people experiencing homelessness using church buildings. We gleaned all we could from their experiences, shared the vision with local pastors and plans were begun for a Winter Shelter pilot the following year.

Stable One was registered as a charity at the end of 2016 with the express purpose of helping the Church to do the things we believe God showed us. We worked hard on research, policy development and logistics and were ready to open our first Winter Shelter on 1 June 2017 with 165 trained volunteers.

Our guests were offered 'more than a place to stay' through the building of community, connection, care, belonging and the love of Jesus.

Stable One was born out of prayer, and that is how we continue to operate. We want to follow God, one step at a time.

Since we began, I have met many more people experiencing homelessness. Their stories, their courage, their resilience and their hearts inspire me. Seeing the Church respond to their needs and show God’s love for them in such practical ways fills me with joy.

— Jenny

Why Stable One?

This name came from those who initally met together for prayer. There was a real sense that homelessness was an issue too huge for us to solve, but that it was okay if we only helped just one person. God confirmed that message to us in the next few days and weeks through different people and through scripture. Particularly we read the story of the lost sheep. Read it here.

For those experiencing homelessness, stability is crucial to their well-being. Not just in terms of a place to live, but in terms of strong foundations on which to build. As Christians, we believe that the firmest foundation on which to build a life is Jesus Christ. He is the Stable One.

We want to offer people more than just a roof over their heads and a bed for the night. We are the church. We are a community, a family. We have the opportunity to build relationships with people who are often lonely and isolated, and to love them like Jesus.

Our Board

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David Wells
Board Director
(Chair)

David Wells

Although I am a lawyer by training, I have had some precious reinvention opportunities. I was privileged to spend 13 years as a manager/leader of a well-known Melbourne legal practice. These days, I help professional practices generally with business model transformation. When people who are aligned on mission, vision and values use their unique spiritual gifting in collaboration with each other and in service of others, positive social change is a real possibility. This is why the opportunity to serve on the board of Stable One attracted me. Apart from a couple of years living in Sth Gippsland as a newly-wed, I have been an active member at One Community Church in Blackburn for more than 40 years. I enjoy studying modern European languages and cycling, especially uphill.
Ann

Ann Fraser
Board Director
(Vice Chair)

Ann Fraser

I am a social worker with over 30 years experience which has ranged from local service delivery, training and crisis response including Government responses to the Black Saturday Bushfires, Cyclone Yasi and  the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. My professional and personal life is centred on my belief that every human being has fundamental value and my faith directs me to consider that each person I can show care to is a service to God. I was attracted to Stable One as I am deeply concerned about the plight of those without stable housing because I have seen how homelessness strips people of the ability to maintain social connection and take positive longer term action in their lives.  It is exciting to see the Church working together in the local community. When I'm not at work you can find me in the kitchen or the garden or enjoying a long walk.
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Rev Philip King
Board Director (Treasurer)

Rev Philip King

I have been married to my wife Carole for over 40 years. We have five children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. I am first and foremost, a family man. When I immigrated to Australia in 1989, I left behind a successful career in teaching, spending the next 20 years as a manager in the headquarters of Australia Post. With a lifelong commitment to Church and a love of learning, I retired to study theology and was ordained as a deacon in 2012. After six years ministry in the parishes of Lilydale and Healesville, I am currently a part-time minister at the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ringwood. I have a first degree in Management Science and a Master of Business Administration. With a strong sense of social justice and a keen interest in churches working together, I joined the Board of Stable One in 2018 and am currently the Treasurer.
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Lyndell Fraser
Board Director (Secretary)

Lyndell Fraser

I joined the Board as Secretary in 2019, bringing 25 years of administration experience. Professionally, I am a Director of Detail 9 Architects, an architectural practice with a focus in community infrastructure. I have been a member of the Forest Hill College Council for 5 years, (President in 2019) and was previously President of the Mt Pleasant Rd Primary School Council. My values come from family and my lifelong involvement with Churches of Christ - a strong work ethic, generosity, caring for others and volunteering all key elements, demonstrated particularly by my parents. I was excited by the tangible way a winter shelter can allow one person to make a difference and have volunteered with my husband in the pilot and subsequent projects. I have two children, two dogs and a chicken. I love spending time with family and friends, am a sporting fanatic and an active member of Ringwood Church of Christ.
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Jenny Willetts OAM
Managing Director

Jenny Willetts

I love Jesus and people. Those two loves have led to the role I have today – leading Stable One. I am a born ‘driver’ with, I suspect, an unusual aptitude for administration. I am enthusiastic, a visionary and like to get stuff done. My early career was as a PA in local government and I have since studied theology and worked in Papua New Guinea and Australia with Wycliffe Bible Translators. I have literally followed God around the world and am often surprised at the roles he’s given me. I find it a privilege and joy to see the Church on mission together, finding ways to offer practical help to some of our most vulnerable ‘neighbours’ and am constantly challenged and changed by the people I meet in the course of my work. I relax by reading, gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
David Wilson

Dr David Wilson
Consultant

Dr David Wilson

My career began 49 years ago in the inner suburbs of Melbourne working with people struggling with homelessness, drug addiction and mental health issues. My undergraduate work was in Theology, followed by a Masters of Arts in Social Science and a Doctorate in Counselling. I taught Sociology, Philosophy, Urban Studies, Psychology and Counselling at a Tertiary level for over 25 yrs. I was President of Residents 3000, the political voice of people living in the CBD and in that role was part of the commission that developed the City of Melbourne’s Drugs Action Plan. As a Melbourne City Councilor (2004 – 2008), I held the position of The Chair of Community & Culture, which covered Libraries; Children, Youth, Aged, Family, Disabilities and Ethnic Services; Emergency Management; Housing; Indigenous Affairs; Safety & Health; and Social Policy, which included drug abuse, homeless issues and policing matters. I was Director of Bible Society’s Sophia Think Tank for five years, promoting engagement with wisdom for personal and social transformation through public theology and advocacy. In that role I researched topics such as the problem of youth suicide, and the crisis in Australian democracy. Until the end of 2017 I was the CEO of Urban Seed in the City of Melbourne (a Christian Community Development Agency that uses hospitality, recreation, and the arts to help people experiencing disadvantage to move toward communities of healing, hope and justice). I have now retired from paid employment in the Community Sector and am passionate about giving back to that sector the kind of support services I benefitted from over that time, through education, advocacy, networking and support. I am a Consultant with Stable One in the Yarra Ranges and give my time to other local organisations working with the disadvantaged. I am also involved in the leadership of two Churches in my neighbourhood. I am married to Debbie. We have four adult children and seventeen grandchildren.
Kerryn

Kerryn Pell
Board Director

Kerryn Pell

I am a social worker currently managing Whitehorse Churches Care - a charity inspired by the work of Stable One, and set up to facilitate practical unity amongst the churches of Whitehorse enabling them to respond together to need within their community. Previously a mechanical engineer, I started volunteering with Prison Network (a Christian organisation supporting women in custody and as they transition into the community) in 2009 which had a profound impact on me - introducing me to some of Victoria’s most marginalised women. This experience fueled a passion for journeying alongside people on the edge of society. After a significant career change, I worked in a variety of prisons as well as residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities. Regularly confronted by the impact of homelessness, and believing that the Church has a lot to offer in this space, involvement with Stable One has been a natural blend of my skills and passion. Outside of work, you can find me adventuring outside – usually hiking, kayaking or cycling – or being entertained by my much loved nephews.
Ian BUnston

Ian Bunston
Board Director

Ian Bunston

After 40 years in state and private education, I now work part time as a Community Connector - a joint partnership position between Korus Connect and Vicinity, Box Hill Central Shopping Centre. I have a passion for seeing better connected communities where individuals, families and organisations thrive. My heart is to see people inspired, supported and whole. Working also with Deakin University mentoring pre- service teachers and also presenting in sporting clubs about ‘Men’s Health and Wellbeing’ with SALT, I feel God is using my life developed skills and interests.The opportunity to support those who are homeless through the Stable One Board has direct synergies with my current work. I consider it a privilege to be part of such a committed team addressing such a needy and challenging issue in our community.
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Stacey Aslangul
Board Director

Stacey Aslangul

I am currently part of the fundraising team at Uniting Vic/ Tas as Major Donor Lead. I have 20+ years of experience in pastoral leadership and the community, not-for-profit sector, with a particular passion for working alongside those experiencing marginalisation, homelessness and exploitation. In late 2023, I concluded my term as CEO of St Kilda Gatehouse during which I became wholeheartedly convinced that kindness and compassion can change someones world and safe, affordable housing is key to building belonging, connection and hope for the future. I love being a mum and wife and you’re likely to find me walking my dog at the beach, baking treats, tending to a struggling herb garden or trying to hold a tune in the community choir I’m a part of.