Beloved Fremantle community support centre St Pat’s has opened a new op shop brand in the heart of Fremantle, with a unique twist aimed at helping end homelessness.
New Stores Brand Launches
St Pat’s opened three ‘Stores’ last week with the support of 90 community volunteers. The initiative offers a space for people to shop sustainably while directly supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.
Manager Tina Mina explained that the new brand differs from St Pat’s other Fremantle shopfronts.
“St Pat’s other stores are much-loved op shops, offering an eclectic mix of affordable fashion, vintage finds and unique accessories,” she said. “Our new Stores offer more than just a retail space, they provide a welcoming and inclusive hub where people experiencing homelessness can access quality clothing, shoes and accessories with dignity, while fashion lovers and conscious shoppers can uncover unique statement pieces with a story behind them.”
Focus on Homeless Support
Ms Mina said Stores, located on Market Street, will still offer the traditional op shop experience but also have a major focus on catering to people experiencing homelessness.
“A big focus of this store is ensuring that we provide people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to access free to low-cost clothing or household items to help them when moving into housing,” she said. “Stores works closely with St Pat’s support services as part of our model, returning choice and dignity for all people.”
The Stores will provide a range of clothing to suit people’s budgets, including second-hand men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as a small range of second-hand homeware, furniture and electrical goods.
Repatched Upcycled Fashion Line
It will also offer the recently developed St Pat’s Repatched, an upcycled fashion line of pieces handmade by 15 passionate volunteers. The project was supported by Fremantle Ports, Lions Club Bull Creek, local businesses and St Pat’s volunteers.
“The Repatched team is transforming damaged, unwanted and excess textiles into one-of-a-kind pieces with purpose. Frayed jeans, unused curtains and forgotten tablecloths are given a second life through sewing, knitting, crocheting and draping, combined with plenty of imagination and flair,” Ms Mina said.
Repatched has already gained national attention. Clothing from the line has appeared on the red carpet at the ARIA Awards in 2024 and in the Circular Fashion Festival last year.
Repatched volunteer sewer Cecelia said the work was a way to give back to the community. “Creating new things helps me with my depression. I get to share with other people, with different backgrounds and skills … and the people love it. And we raise a lot of money, which is a bonus,” she said.
Location and Future Plans
St Pat’s Stores is spread over three shops along Market Street. It is conveniently located two doors down from the new donations depot at 8 Elder Place.
Chief executive officer Michael Piu said the development was a positive step towards ending homelessness in the area. “St Pat’s Stores provide a meaningful way for us to connect with our community, from our dedicated volunteers and generous donors to the shoppers who support our mission,” Mr Piu said. “With our new donations depot right next door, we’re able to build a vibrant, self-sustaining and sustainable social enterprise, right in the heart of Fremantle, which will aid us in achieving our mission to end homelessness.”
