The House of Welcome

The House of Welcome is a project of the NSW Ecumenical Council, and was set up in response to the growing needs of refugees and asylum seekers, especially those released from detention. You would be aware of the plight of some of the people who seek asylum in our country. After fleeing violence and persecution and traumatized by their experience, many have been retraumatised in our detention centers especially those who have spent years on Nauru as part of our "Pacific Solution". They come to us broken and crushed suffering from profound depression and anxiety holding Temporary Humanitarian visas- which deny them for another three or five years, reunion with their families and full integration into the Australian community.

The House of Welcome particularly assists refugees on Temporary Protection and Temporary Humanitarian Visas and those people formerly on these visas whose future is unresolved. It also assists those on Bridging Visas E who were previously Habeas Corpus. Due to their temporary status in Australia, refugees and asylum seekers are in a vulnerable position with an insecure future. This is especially so for those on Bridging Visas for whom all services are denied: no Medicare, no access to Centrelink, no work rights, no study rights.

As a resource and referral centre The House of Welcome helps connect people with relevant Government and welfare agencies. It is also currently housing 22 people and assists in finding permanent accommodation. Through its volunteers it offers various forms of support for individuals and families, including English and computer courses. Respite holidays with volunteer families in the country are also organised. Assistance is also given to those who are seeking employment.

The name 'House of Welcome' has a real Marist feel about it. So too does the compassionate, respectful service it provides to those it accompanies. Fr Jim Carty SM is the co-ordinator of the work and two Marist Sisters, Grace and Gail are also employed there and Therese is a regular volunteer.

Sr Gail Reneker SM


For more information

http://www.nswec.org.au/houseofwelcome.htm