Make a Difference
Asylum Seekers Centre
The Asylum Seekers Centre provides practical help and advocates for fair and humane policies for refugees and people seeking asylum.
The Sisters of Charity Foundation is proud to support the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) in providing housing and wraparound services to people seeking asylum.
Our funding helps the ASC deliver vital support like rental assistance, access to emergency housing, crisis payments and complex casework for people in vulnerable situations. Clients are also educated about the private rental process and their tenancy rights and housing options in Sydney, and are connected with community and faith groups to build their support networks.
Depending on their needs, the ASC links clients to essential services such as health care, mental health support, legal aid, and Status Resolution Support Services. People experiencing family or domestic violence are helped to access safe accommodation and specialist services. Additional support includes providing phones and other digital devices, transport and clothing.
People seeking asylum have a lot to contribute to the Australian community, across their diversity, their creative ways of solving problems, the innovation brought from other countries, their qualifications, their resilience, and their immense will to make this place home.
Marina, ASC Intensive Support Caseworker
House of Welcome
The House of Welcome provides transitional housing, employment and skill-building opportunities, trauma-informed case work, and food relief to people seeking asylum and refugees.
The Sisters of Charity Foundation supports the House of Welcome’s Welcome Start Transitional Housing Program (WSTH).
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.
Approximately 86 people are housed across 18 properties every night through the WSTH program.
One of the most rewarding experiences of my career was witnessing a single mother of two, with whom I have been working for two years, finally granted her Resolution of Status Visa (RoS) after 10 years of seeking asylum in Australia. The news of her RoS came just before Christmas, and it’s a moment I recall when I need a reminder of what an honour it is to be a part of a journey like this.
Kaydee, House of Welcome Caseworker
Vina's story
What help and hope can do
House of Welcome client Vina tells us about her journey from homelessness to stability and hope, thanks to the Welcome Start Transitional Housing Program:
“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 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.
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. 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.
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.”
FAQs
Why does the Foundation want to help people seeking asylum?
Every year thousands of people seeking asylum arrive in Australia. Most have nothing, know no one and are deeply traumatised by the circumstances of their displacement. Most are not able to access any form of government support and they must rely on compassionate, well organised non-government organisations and charities to assist with their most basic needs.
Why did the Foundation choose to partner with the Asylum Seekers Centre?
The Asylum Seekers Centre provides practical and personal support to people living in the community who are seeking asylum. Its services include accommodation, financial relief, legal advice, health care and counselling, employment assistance, education, nutrition and social support.
Why did the Foundation choose to partner with the House of Welcome?
The House of Welcome empowers people seeking asylum and refugees through employment, housing, financial assistance, food distribution, access to medical care and casework.
It provides personalised, co-designed support tailored to people’s unique and individual needs and goals. It links clients to essential services and activities that promote wellbeing and integration, while advocating for their rights and amplifying their voices.
What is the history of Providence House?
In 2014 the Sisters of Charity Foundation invested close to $3 million in the purchase and renovation of Providence House; an 8-bedroom, 4-apartment residential building located in Sydney’s Inner West. The Asylum Seekers Centre managed the property from March 2015 until March 2024.
Why does the Foundation want to help people seeking asylum?
Every year thousands of people seeking asylum arrive in Australia. Most have nothing, know no one and are deeply traumatised by the circumstances of their displacement. Most are not able to access any form of government support and they must rely on compassionate, well organised non-government organisations and charities to assist with their most basic needs.
Why did the Foundation choose to partner with the Asylum Seekers Centre?
The Asylum Seekers Centre provides practical and personal support to people living in the community who are seeking asylum. Its services include accommodation, financial relief, legal advice, health care and counselling, employment assistance, education, nutrition and social support.
Why did the Foundation choose to partner with the House of Welcome?
The House of Welcome empowers people seeking asylum and refugees through employment, housing, financial assistance, food distribution, access to medical care and casework.
It provides personalised, co-designed support tailored to people’s unique and individual needs and goals. It links clients to essential services and activities that promote wellbeing and integration, while advocating for their rights and amplifying their voices.
What is the history of Providence House?
In 2014 the Sisters of Charity Foundation invested close to $3 million in the purchase and renovation of Providence House; an 8-bedroom, 4-apartment residential building located in Sydney’s Inner West. The Asylum Seekers Centre managed the property from March 2015 until March 2024.
Moving into Providence House was the happiest moment in my life. I was so excited to get in. The house is so nice, huge, with a hall, a beautiful kitchen with two bedrooms, so clean, and it had aircon – unbelievable for me!
Anita, Providence House resident
History of the program
Creating a new life and finding independence
From 2014–2024, the Sisters of Charity Foundation designated a residential building, named Providence House, for the exclusive use of clients of the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Providence House residents were able to access practical support through the Centre, including financial assistance, health care and medication, and groceries and meals. In addition to having their basic needs met, residents also accessed educational and recreational activities, intensive casework, legal support, and help finding employment for those with work rights.
When residents had secured a visa and steady income, they were helped to transition out of Providence House and into independence.
Providence House closed in 2024, and the Foundation now provides support to refugees and people seeking asylum through our program partners the Asylum Seekers Centre and the House of Welcome.
