The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.Maya Angelou
There are at least 5,500 people seeking asylum in the community in Victoria1.
Many are not eligible for income support or any government funding. Many find themselves homeless. In partnership with donors and supporters, Baptcare has provided housing and support to people seeking asylum through the Sanctuary program since 2008.
In 2015, community-based housing was added in partnership with churches. Since their inception, we have worked with 600 men, women and children. Today, we partner with seven churches and more than 30 volunteers to provide transitional housing, casework and neighbourly support in 16 Houses of Hope. Baptcare receives no government funding for his service. But we need help to continue this work.
We have invested our heart, soul and funds into the program for the last 14 years. Unfortunately, we find ourselves unable to continue to support the Preston rooming house. It is with heavy hearts that we had to close it in February 2022.
We remain committed to supporting people who came to Australia seeking refuge. Our work in the Brunswick rooming house and Houses of Hope which support around 80 men, women and children will continue.
But we cannot do this alone. We need help from partners like you.
Closing Preston will reduce the amount of housing and support services available to people seeking asylum. But our hope is, with your help, we can grow the number of Houses of Hope to meet and even exceed the need that remains in our community.
Partners (churches, groups or individuals) lease their property to Baptcare at low or no rent. Sometimes, a group pool their resources to support a House of Hope locally.
Baptcare provides housing, utilities subsidy and food relief to Yasmin and others seeking asylum. Our case workers provide formal case work support, train and support local volunteers. Volunteers from churches and groups provide neighbourly support such as helping asylum seekers to learn how to access local services, take public transport and learn to navigate life in Australia.
Getting involved in a House of Hope is an incredibly enriching experience. You get to travel alongside people who are struggling to survive in Australia. You're meeting real needs. And you will grow as a church.Bernie Pigdon, Ashburton Baptist
2. Lease your property to Baptcare at low or no rent. Contact Cliff Barclay, Head of Housing & Homelessness at cbarclay@baptcare.org.au or 0490 788 602.
3. Volunteer to provide neighbourly support. Contact Cliff Barclay, Head of Housing & Homelessness at cbarclay@baptcare.org.au or 0490 788 602.
The constant moving made consistent school attendance impossible. This was further exacerbated during the period when schooling at home was compulsory.
While Farad has missed much of the essential learning and social opportunities of the early years of school due to the family’s financial hardship, Farad is now able to form friendships and build on his learning in a supportive new local school.
Your donation helps cover the costs of Houses of Hope and Baptcare case workers. If you prefer to send in your donation, please send your cheque (with your details) to PO Box 230 Hawthorn VIC 3122. All donations $2 and above are tax deductible.
You can also contact our Fundraising team on 03 8855 4856
It has been an incredibly positive experience for the church. It is a privilege to be able to offer something small yet practical. It gives us an opportunity to put our faith into action. Houses of Hope allowed us to take action in a meaningful way and be well supported in doing that.Teash Taylor, St Kilda & Elsternwick Baptist
1. March, 2021 - https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-stats/files/illegal-maritime-arrivals-bve-31-mar-2021.pdf
*Names and images have been changed to protect the identity of individuals using the Houses of Hope services