Become a Housemate
Becoming a St Mary’s House of Welcome 'Housemate' is a meaningful way to make a positive impact in the lives of people facing homelessness, disadvantage and poverty in our community.
A $10 monthly tax-deductible donation will support our Welcome Relief Meals program, which provides consistent access to healthy and satisfying meals for those in need.
You'll be helping to ensure that around 150 people daily who walk through our doors receive a nutritious two-course meal.
Welcome Relief Meals Program
The Welcome Relief Meals project aims to ensure consistent access to healthy and satisfying meals for individuals facing homelessness and poverty. Our primary objective is to address the immediate food needs of our community members, many of whom may not know where their next meal is coming from.
With the increasing cost of living, we recognise that our service users may rely on us for their daily food and nourishment, showing the importance of our continued support to whoever walks through our doors. On any given day, we may serve up to 200 people, each of whom relies on us for food security. Our goal is and key outcome is to provide every single person with a two-course satisfying meal, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.
Another goal project is to foster social connections among service users, nurturing a sense of community and inclusion. Through opportunities for interaction, we aim to create a warm and supportive environment, addressing the profound isolation and loneliness often experienced by those facing homelessness, rough sleeping, and poverty.
We also aim to facilitate longer-term support, recognising the importance of meaningful relationships between support workers and service users. These support workers serve as vital points of contact for engaging individuals in specialist advice, psychosocial support, and social inclusion activities, which can facilitate their journey towards improved well-being and integration into the community. Beyond the project delivery, there are many benefits to the immediate community in the region.
By addressing immediate food needs, enhancing mental and emotional well-being, and fostering social connections the project contributes to overall community development, creating a more stable, safe, and connected society.
