Media Release

St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (St Pat’s) have acquired sole ownership of 5 Beach Street after Sam and Connie Sapienza gifted their share of the property to the homelessness support and community housing provider earlier this month.

“We love Fremantle and have been looking for an opportunity to give back to the community, and what better way than to hand the site over to St Pat’s, who care for the city’s most vulnerable,” Mr Sapienza said.

St Pat’s CEO Michael Piu said the extraordinary act of generosity was “utterly unique and not something St Pat’s ever expected to receive.”

“Given the increasing need in our community and demand for St Pats’ services, this generous gift couldn’t have come at a better time,” Mr Piu said.

The property itself is next door to St Pat’s warehouse, which is set to be transformed into a purpose-built Engagement Hub for people experiencing homelessness after the not-for-profit successfully raised the funds needed to begin construction–phase of the project earlier this year.

“It just shows how committed we are as a community to not only helping people who are doing it tough right now, but also actively investing in our future by supporting organisations delivering innovative solutions to homelessness,” Mr Piu said.

The site currently contains structures slated for demolition by the City of Fremantle, and this will be St Pat’s immediate focus as the new owner of the property.

“Our main priority is the safety and security of the site and we’re working with the council to make sure we address all outstanding orders, and any other requirements, as soon as possible,” Mr Piu said.

Mr Sapienza said his family were proud to know their gift will have a positive impact on the community.

“Knowing the site will be developed in the service of the people who need it most is the greatest legacy our family could ask for.”

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