55 Central, previously known as ACRAH, was founded in 1975 by Pandora and Kevin Young after their own personal experiences had highlighted the absence of treatment and support options for people in crisis at the time.  In these early days, Kevin and Pandora used their own home and resources, with help from volunteers, to provide short-term accommodation and basic care to men and women, most with mental health and/or addiction issues who would otherwise have had nowhere else to go.

Over the years the service grew and attracted some government support. By the early 1990s, in response to increasing demand and recognition of the complexity of care needs, services were expanded.  55 Central was provided with an allocation of 10 community based properties by the Department of Housing which allowed longer term accommodation and support to be provided to a greater number of people.  Support workers, funded by the (then) Department for Child Protection, provided a greater level of professional, evidence based support with a shift towards interventions such as case management, education and supported referral.

In partnership with the Department of Housing, a new purpose-built crisis accommodation service and administration building was constructed.  In March 2001, 55 Central moved from our original site in Field Street, Mount Lawley to its present location in Maylands.