About Cana

Our History

Cana Communities was founded in 1975 by Dominican brother, Mark Brereton. His vision was a ‘place with an open door’, able to welcome anyone who came., and from this vision de Porres House was founded.

Brother Mark was joined by Brian Stoney SJ, a Jesuit priest, and Anne Jordan PBVM, a Presentation sister. Together, they created the mission that still guides Cana and challenges us today:

Through a relational model, we create inclusive communities and nurture dignity, hope, and belonging amongst those who have struggled for acceptance.

The word Cana is taken from the biblical story of the wedding feast at Cana. Central to our mission is the belief that everyone deserves to be celebrated, and that transformation is possible — just as water was turned into wine.

Our story is of nurturing growth & acceptance.

Cana Farm, a Cana Cana Communities initiative, was established in 2011 to care and offer support those people who suffer from illness, addiction and homelessness.

The Farm offers a safe place for those struggling to integrate into back into society, to be given the opportunity to be a part of a positive community. We offer extensive outreach opportunities, education, life skills and community involvement. The Farm is a place of belonging which provides opportunities to be involved in constructive projects which the community are then able to enjoy together.

Our impact

Cana provides emergency overnight accommodation as well as longer-term housing in homes across inner Sydney and south Perth. We offer a strong sense of community, safe and welcoming spaces, shared meals, and a range of practical supports — where it is possible for our community members to find hope and begin to put their lives back together.

In New South Wales, our shelters include: de Porres House Darlinghurst, St Francis House Redfern, Nagle House Surry Hills,  Cabrini House Darlinghurst, and Nano's House.
In Western Australia, our shelters include: Rachel's Joy Palmyra.
Cana Farm is our social enterprise in Sydney supporting vital, transitional employment and training pathways.
Our services have operated through the generous spirit, time and skills provided by volunteers and donors for over 50 years.

Your support

In line with our mission, Cana does not operate with government funding, therefore your generosity is gratefully accepted. Donate today, Volunteer or purchase our Farm products on this site.
Every time you make a purchase from Cana Farm, you're helping someone #beginagain. Cana houses and Cana Farm programs support disadvantaged community members who are on the journey to restarting their lives, improving their circumstances and learning new skills. 

For more information about Cana, visit cana.org.au
Follow us on social media and stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter on the home page.

The story we share

And the story is mine, the story is ours.
If we open our ears, we can hear a story that grows with the passing of years made of laughter, struggle and fears.
The story we share, the journey to there is happening here.
 
Courtesy of Peter Kearney, from the album: Growing with God.

Learn about what we do at Cana Farm