A Message From the CEO

Dear Friends,

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you; homelessness doesn't disappear on the weekends.

When you’re cold, hungry and living on the streets, a weekend is a long time to wait before you can access a warm shower, a hot meal, and all of the other supports you need to get through the day.

Right now, there are hundreds of men and women across Melbourne experiencing chronic homelessness and hardship, who find themselves isolated and disconnected, looking for a safe place to sleep and help to access services. That’s why we are so happy to let you know that, from the end of October, St Mary’s House of Welcome will be opening on Saturday mornings for rough sleepers!

But we need your help to bridge a critical service gap and open our doors seven days a week,

Many of the people St Mary's House of Welcome helps experience chronic homelessness, are drug and alcohol dependent, have psycho-social disabilities, and/or severe mental health issues. They are socially isolated and extremely vulnerable. They either do not have the means to feed themselves (no kitchen facilities, money for food, etc.), or lack the life and living skills to be able to prepare nutritious meals.  That’s why the Weekend Opening Campaign is so important to us.

Our rough sleeping community needs our help. Please join with us to make this a reality.

I hope you will join with us on our mission in the spirit of hope, inspiration, and community to help us make our dream of opening on Sundays a reality.

With grateful thanks,

Robina Bradley