Do you know what a sanctuary is? Webster’s dictionary defines it as:
sanc·tu·ar·y n.
A sacred and inviolable asylum; a place of refuge and protection; shelter.
When Ali came to Baptcare Sanctuary in April 2010, he knew he’d found just that.
“It was such a great time for me … I just thought, there is a life to go on with, otherwise I was thinking my life was getting to an end.”
Baptcare Sanctuary provides transitional supported accommodation for male asylum seekers living lawfully in the community. Accommodating 28 men at a time, since it opened in 2008, 78 asylum seekers have lived at Baptcare Sanctuary, with many now having permanent residency in Australia.
Despite receiving no government funding, Baptcare is now entering its fourth year of providing this vital service. This is only possible because of the support of trusts, foundations and people like you.
With many asylum seekers having no right to work or access to any form of Government assistance, they are at risk of homelessness and social exclusion.
Before Ali arrived at Baptcare Sanctuary he was going through a very tough time.
“I didn’t have a job, I didn’t have enough money. I can’t explain it to you, how hard it is, the homeless thing.”
Like the other residents at Baptcare Sanctuary, Ali had fled his country of origin due to a very real threat of persecution. “If I was going to go back to my country I would have been killed. I can’t go back to my country.”
Imagine feeling so threatened, to never be able to return to the home you grew up in. And yet this is exactly what asylum seekers confront – threat of persecution because of their race, ethnic group, religion, political beliefs or membership of a specific social group.
Although Ali was lawfully in Australia on a bridging visa, he wasn’t legally allowed to work, nor was he eligible for Centrelink support.
Eventually Ali found Sanctuary.
“It was such a happy moment for me …I saw all around, and then oh, this is my room, I’ve got a clean room…and things like that, so I was very, very satisfied, thanks God. We’ve got all sorts of things which anybody would like to have, basic things.”
Two on-site social workers assist residents with welfare, counselling, advocacy and referral services.
These services are all provided without government funding. We need your support for us to continue to assist to asylum seekers.
The great news is that after two years, Ali’s application for asylum has been granted and he now has a permanent visa.
“Now I can hope that my bright future will start. I have a Bachelor of Computer Science in my country, and a Bachelor in Education. I used to be a teacher.” Now Ali wants to study for his Masters. “Then I can play a good role in the Australian community.”
Ali found his sanctuary – a place of refuge and protection. Please help us to provide sanctuary to more asylum seekers in his position by donating today.