Our History

55 Central, previously known as ACRAH, was founded in 1975 by Pandora and Kevin Young. Pandora’s first husband, John, had become addicted to alcohol. At this time there were very few treatment or support options available in Perth and John’s life spiralled until he lost his livelihood and his family had to move on. As Pandora rebuilt her life with her new husband Kevin, she never stopped trying to care for John who by this time was living on the street. With Kevin’s support, the couple would drive the streets at night, seeking John out from under bridges, in derelict buildings, parks and cemeteries. In doing so, they built relationships with other street present people in the area could see the heartbreaking impact of homelessness. The couple could see an urgent need for care and support of these people. First, they delivered soup from a borrowed old grey Ford Falcon, the “Grey Ghost” but they knew more support was needed. They could see these people needed shelter and care and so, after a short period of time, Pandora and Kevin began inviting people to share their home.