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Need Help?
If you need help or immediate assistance, find out how we can support you below
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Our Work
Support our work and help some of the most marginalised and socially isolated people in our community by making a donation.
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Volunteer
Become a volunteer with us and help support some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable community members.
Last financial year, we provided:
37,732 meals
Our kitchen served a total of 37,732 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.
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.
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.
