St Jude's story began in 1982 with supporting people with psychosocial needs, disability and the homeless. Unlike today, people with disability or psychosocial support needs at the time had limited accommodation options other than hospital or living with their family. Often, people had to stay in hospital for extended periods even if they simply needed basic support or a home.
Recognising this need, Mr Philip John Pusey opened a mental health hostel in Victoria Park, Western Australia in 1982. This was a success and with increased homelessness among people with mental health illness, he developed a property in Guildford into a mental health facility providing disability accommodation services for up to 46 people. The new hostel opened in 1987 and was named St Jude's Hostel by Mr Pusey. Over the years he added additional houses for people requiring supported accommodation. Since the early 1990s, a number of new NGOs have commenced supporting people with mental health issues and homelessness.