Christmas Appeal
This Christmas morning, hundreds of people in Melbourne will wake up without a home. Many will be living in cars, on couches, or in temporary shelters.
People like Brent*, whose happiest memory was a Christmas Day spent picnicking with his children before unforeseen circumstances left him homeless.
Now Christmas is a painful reminder for Brent of what he lacks. It’s not material things he misses, but the basic need for a safe place where he feels valued and cared for; a place where he is welcomed with open arms and can get the support he urgently needs.
At St Mary's House of Welcome, we strive to provide that space. We’re committed to offering warmth, kindness, and support to those in need. This Christmas, as demand for our services rises, we urgently need your help to meet the growing need.
The pressures of cost of living, material hardship, and the impacts of homelessness on both physical and mental health are at an all-time high. Our mission has never been more crucial and, with your support, we can make a difference.
Brent’s Story
“I would never ever have thought that I would be in a situation where I would be homeless. It was rock bottom - going through that period of not feeling safe, not having a place to reside, not feeling like I belong, losing your identity ...”
Brent* was in his 40s when he found himself living on the streets. A marriage breakdown, job loss and struggles with mental health led to him sleeping in, and around the Vic Market. Never having been homeless before, Brent struggled to navigate his way through the ‘system’, trying to find the right places to help him – a place to sit, grab a meal, a place that felt safe, that made him feel welcome.
Eventually, almost by accident, Brent stumbled across St Mary’s House of Welcome. He had finally found an ally to support him through his journey, someone to stand with him, advocate and help him find his voice, a place to offer hope, and explore solutions.
In supporting Brent, SMHOW explored all housing options; crisis, short term, transitional, social, and even private rentals, to find long-term sustainable housing. By leveraging local partnerships and government relationships, we were able to help Brent into a newly renovated apartment and provide him with additional supports.
Today Brent is back on his feet and finally has a place to call home.
*Please note, names and identifying features have been changed to protect our service users’ identity
Your Impact
$55
will help provide a festive meal and a grocery hamper to a person in real need
$35
will help provide someone sleeping rough with a basic needs pack: a shower, towels, toiletries and underwear
$125
will help provide support sessions with qualified workersfor someone in crisis
$250
will help provide 50 nutritious meals over the Christmas and New Year period for people who cannot afford, or are unable, to feed themselves
We Need Your Help Now More Than Ever
This Christmas and New Year period, St Mary’s House of Welcome needs your help to provide:
15,000 nutritious meals – including Christmas lunch for our most vulnerable community members.
1,500 warm showers, toiletries and fresh clothing.
500 support sessions with qualified community workers.
125 social inclusion activities such as art/craft, gardening, fishing and wellbeing groups.
Your generous gift will provide direct support to some of the most marginalised and socially isolated individuals in our community.
By giving today, you ensure that we can continue to be there for those in need this Christmas and beyond. People like Brent*, will benefit from your compassion.
On behalf of everyone we serve, thank you for your kindness and commitment to partnering with us in this vital work. Wishing you and your family a joyful and safe Christmas and New Year.
Every gift $2 and over is tax deductible. Please give as generously as you can.
Thank you.