This Winter,
Change the Life of a Rough Sleeper

This winter, as the nights get longer and the temperatures drop, some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our community need your help.

Here, at St Mary’s House of Welcome, we are committed to being there for every person who walks through our doors. But the reality is, as demand rises, so too does the  pressure on our resources. The cost of providing meals, keeping our facilities running, and delivering essential services has increased significantly. We are being asked to do more, for more people, with greater need than ever before. 

A gift from you today will help ensure we can continue to provide warmth, nourishment, and support to those who need it most.

All payments are secure and encrypted. All donations $2 and over are fully tax deductible.

This winter will be incredibly tough for many in our community. But 
with your support, we can make sure no one has to face it alone.

David's Story

David visits St Mary’s House of Welcome most days. He doesn’t say much when he first arrives. He usually just nods quietly as he comes through the door, making his way to the dining room. But once he has had something warm to eat, once he has had a chance to sit down and rest, he begins to open up.

Recently, he told us he never imagined things would end up this way. Rising costs forced him out of his rental. Casual work dried up and slowly, things unravelled. Now, he sleeps wherever he can.

“Winter’s the hardest,” he says. “You don’t really sleep. You just try to get through the night.”

“Sleeping rough teaches you how loud and scary the night can be. Every sound makes you jump, every shadow makes you wonder who’s there. I used to walk the streets just to stay warm, circling the same blocks like I was trying to outrun the cold. But you can’t outrun winter when you’ve got nowhere to land."

Stories like David’s are becoming more common. And behind each story is a person who needs support, dignity, and care. With your support, we can make sure no one has to face winter alone.

“I don’t know where I’d go if this place wasn’t here. When it’s cold, this is where I can feel human again. When you’ve been out in the cold as long as I have, kindness hits you differently. It stays with you. It reminds you that you’re still human.”

Don't Want to Give Online?

You can donate to us directly by bank deposit and you will be receipted the next business day.

Bank Account Name
St Mary's House of Welcome BSB: 633 000
Account number: 209 647 627
Reference: Name and Email address

To donate by phone please contact our Donor Care team on:
03 9417 7985 or via email fundraising@smhow.org.au

Please give as you can.
Thank you.

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