Your Impact
Supporting people experiencing chronic homelessness and disadvantage since 1960.
Your support and engagement are vital in helping us continue our mission.Thank you.
We Are Community
The House of Welcome was opened by the Daughters of Charity on the 30th May 1960 to assist homeless and disadvantaged men in Fitzroy. Today, in the spirit of the Daughters of Charity, we continue to provide support, safe solutions and hope for hundreds of chronically homeless and disadvantaged people in Melbourne.
Many of those who come to St Mary’s House of Welcome for help experience multiple issues such as sleeping rough, substance use, poverty, childhood trauma, mental illness, and institutionalisation, all of which result in chronic social and health problems.
Our service model means that anyone who needs help can come to the centre for practical assistance. Whether it’s a meal, a shower and a change of clean clothes or other material aid, or more specialist support such as information, referral to access specialist services, legal support and emergency relief, at St Mary’s House of Welcome, we welcome all those in need.
Anyone in need can find support at our centre. Whether it's a warm meal, access to shower facilities and clean clothes, or specialised assistance such as information, referral to specialist services, legal support, or emergency relief, St Mary’s House of Welcome opens our doors to all those in need.
Last financial year we provided:
47,684 tasty meals
Our kitchen served a total of 47,684 tasty and nutritious meals to vulnerable members of our community through our Welcome Relief Meals Program.
6,000 warm showers
We've been able to provide 6,000 warm showers, along with essential toiletries and fresh clothing, to those facing the challenges of homelessness.
375 sleeping kits
We distributed 375 essential items such as sleeping bags, swags, tents, and sleeping mats, contributing to our vulnerable community members’ comfort and safety.
1,440 food hampers
Along with regular and corporate volunteer support we provided 1,440 emergency food hampers to our rough sleeping community.
We are incredibly proud of the work of all of our team members as they impact people's lives for the better each and every day.
If you would like to contribute to the work we do, please consider making a donation - all proceeds go towards the provision of vital services, including our Welcome Relief Meals program, mental health support, social inclusion programs, and the maintenance of our of shower and laundry facilities.
Sharon and Phil's story
How your gift could help
Why We Need Your Help
We could not do this essential work without the support of wonderfully generous people in the community. St Mary’s House of Welcome relies on our fundraising efforts for over 45 per cent of our income to allow us to keep our doors open and run our vital programs such as the meal service, amenities and social support activities.
The Welcome Relief Meals Program is just one of our initiatives funded entirely by public and philanthropic support. Your generous support of our work will ensure we’re there for the hundreds of people who rely on our service each day for help.
We encourage you to explore more about our organisation and the impactful work we do on our website. Stay connected with us through our social media channels to stay updated on events, initiatives, and ways you can get involved.
Our community support workers recently helped a single mother and her two primary school aged children into housing, after they had been staying in an emergency motel and struggled to get support while navigating other access point homelessness services. We were able to help the family into housing less than a month after they came to us for assistance.
- Volunteer in our Homelessness team
Start Fundraising Today
Donate to our Winter Appeal
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.
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
