Vina arrives at the House of Welcome

“When I first arrived here, the biggest challenge I faced was isolation, because I was away from people that mattered to me. I was vulnerable, and becoming homeless for someone who had been working her whole life and has not asked for help in most of her life… It was very difficult for me and my mental health.

My mental health hit rock bottom and a close friend of mine suggested to reach out to House of Welcome.

I remember arriving to House of Welcome late in the afternoon, nearly closing time, and this sweet young lady came out and greeted me with a warm smile and a very friendly voice. I remember that very well. She couldn’t help me right away because it was near closing time, but she took down my details and promised me that she was going to contact me later.

I would always remember that day because of her kindness. I was struggling. It was the first glimpse of hope I felt. Just her doing that – it hugged my spirit. And when I walked back to the train station, I remember tears streaming down my face and for the first time it was tears of joy. I loved that experience.

Somewhere safe to stay

My first meeting with the caseworker was filled with genuine care and understanding. I felt I was heard and respected, which is incredibly healing after months of feeling really invisible. Their warmth gave me hope that I wasn’t alone in this journey.

Finding stable housing was life-changing for me. After months of uncertainty. Having a place to call home gave me peace of mind and security I desperately needed. Having stable housing has changed my life, allowing me to focus on rebuilding other parts of my life, like my mental health, work and personal goals. I no longer worry about where I would sleep at night. Home to me means safety, peace and a place that I can heal and grow and dream again.

Intensive employment support

I’ve received incredible support. They’ve helped me prepare for job interviews, drafted my resume and helped me understand the work culture in Australia and workplace operations, including tax and superannuation.

Since connecting with House of Welcome I’ve grown stronger, more confident, and more hopeful. They’ve given me the tools and support to rebuild my life. I’ve discovered resilience within myself through this journey that I didn’t know I had. Along with a newfound confidence and the willingness to learn new skills, I also realised how much I enjoy working with my hands and learning practical skills.

During my work placement I learned life tools and lessons. I’ve never worked with tools before, but I was fortunate to be part of a team that treated me like I was part of the team. The man I worked with taught me as if I was his own daughter, equipping me with skills that I’ve never learned before. They would teach me things that to them might be basic, but to me it was new. But I really enjoyed how they taught me.

The employment support has boosted my confidence and gave me a sense of purpose and helped me understand how to navigate the Australian job market. It made me feel capable and independent again, which was very important to me.

Looking forward to a future of independence and happiness

My hopes and dreams for the future are to become a counsellor so that I could help those people that are going through difficult times. What motivates me to keep moving forward is the memory of my mother and the kindness, love and support that I’ve received from people here. I want to honour her memory and the support that I have been given by helping others.

If I would give advice to someone that is in a similar situation that I’ve been in, I would strongly advise, please don’t lose hope even if everything feels impossible, please don’t lose hope. Reach out for support. There are people out there and organisations willing to help you and rebuild your life.

With all my heart, I’d like to thank you so much for your kindness, your support and your love. You’ve given me more than just assistance. You’ve given me hope, my dignity back, and the courage to rebuild my life.”

About the Asylum Seekers Support Program

When people seeking asylum arrive in Australia, they are immediately reliant on the support of charitable community organisations for shelter and housing, or else left to navigate the private rental market with limited income – and often no work rights – as their claims are processed.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation has committed significant funding to the House of Welcome’s Welcome Start Transitional Housing Program (WSTH) over the next three years.

Over 12 months, the Housing Client Services Manager helps participants build the knowledge and confidence to manage private rental tenancies and avoid exploitation. Each person receives tailored support from a caseworker, including access to foodbanks, employment programs, and a co-designed case plan to help them gain training, work experience, and job opportunities.

The program focuses on achieving stable housing, financial independence, and long-term employment, while also supporting those with complex needs to access legal, health, and mental health services.

*Name changed for privacy reasons.