Supporting People
Experiencing Homelessness

St Mary’s House of Welcome is a Specialist Access Point for people experiencing homelessness in the heart of Melbourne. We are one of three Specialist Access Points in the city of Melbourne, and provide basic essential services to people who are homeless and experiencing disadvantage, severe and persistent mental health issues, and those who are extremely isolated and socially marginalised.

Gingerbread House of Welcome

A Christmas Treat So Others Can Eat

This Christmas, go beyond the usual gifts and make a meaningful difference. When you choose a gift from St Mary’s House of Welcome’s festive collection, Gingerbread House of Welcome, you’re helping create a brighter Christmas for someone facing homelessness, disadvantage, and social isolation.

Our festive gifting range includes:

  • Handcrafted gingerbread houses, DIY kits and gingerbread people by Melbourne’s iconic Brunetti Classico

  • A selection of festive chocolates by Chocolatier

  • Cookies by Sweet Caroline

Every purchase supports our Welcome Relief Meals Program, providing essential meals and services to those in need.

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, drug addiction, poverty, childhood trauma, mental illness, institutionalisation and street drinking, 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.

Last financial year, we provided:

37,732 meals

Our kitchen served a total of 40,272 filling, tasty, and nutritious meals to vulnerable members of our community through our Welcome Relief Meals Program.

2,670 showers

We've been able to provide 2,670 warm showers, along with essential toiletries and fresh clothing, to those facing the challenges of homelessness.

1,200
sleeping bags

We distributed 1,200 essential items such as sleeping bags, swags, tents, and sleeping mats, contributing to our vulnerable community members comfort and safety.

1,440
takeaway meals

We provided 1,440 takeaway meals and food hampers to our rough sleeping community.

Serving Melbourne’s Homeless Community for 65 Years

Ahead of St Mary’s House of Welcome 65th Anniversary in 2025, we’ve put together a video featuring some of our staff, volunteers and service users reflecting on what SMHOW means to them.