The Rosalie Rendu Story

More than 200 years ago, Rosalie Rendu dedicated her life to supporting people experiencing poverty, illness and social exclusion in the streets of Paris. At a time of great hardship, she became known for a simple but powerful approach: meeting people where they were and providing practical help that responded to their immediate needs – without judgement.  

Over more than five decades, Rosalie Rendu helped establish services that offered healthcare, education, childcare and support for older people. Her work was grounded in the belief that every person deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to build a better future. 

More than 71 years ago, the Daughters of Charity founded Hutt St Centre with the same commitment to standing alongside people experiencing disadvantage and offering practical, compassionate support when it is needed most and without judgement.  

Today, Rosalie Rendu Safe Place carries that legacy forward. 

Designed as a welcoming, women-only, child-safe and trauma-informed wellbeing centre, it will provide women and their children with a safe place to seek support, access services and begin their journey towards housing stability, safety and independence. 

Just as Rosalie Rendu did generations ago, the Safe Place will focus on listening, responding to individual needs and helping people take the next step after experiencing homelessness.