St Mary's House of Welcome in Fitzroy, Victoria | Housing and homeless shelter

St Mary's House of Welcome

Locality: Fitzroy, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9417 6497

Address: 165-169 Brunswick St 3065 Fitzroy, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.smhow.org.au

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• Medical and health
• Non-profit organisation
• Mental health service
• Housing and homeless shelter

24.01.2022 EMERGENCY APPEAL Today, as the world faces the horror of the Covid-19 pandemic, St Mary’s House of Welcome continues its mission to work on the frontline of need. In the spirit of the Daughters of Charity we are dedicated to providing support to people experiencing chronic homelessness and disadvantage in whatever way it’s required. As a designated Essential Service, we are committed to being as adaptable, and as responsive, to the need we see before us, as we possibly can.... As we head into Easter, we are planning for what might come next. We are continuing to explore ways to best serve our most vulnerable community members. Meanwhile, our team of support workers are all working hard to provide emergency food packs, relief hampers, toiletries, clean underwear and showers to the men and women living on the streets who rely on us for help. But we can’t do it alone. Now, more than ever, we need your help. If you can, please consider making a gift to help those sleeping rough and experiencing chronic homelessness through this terrible time. Thank you. https://www.smhow.org.au/emergency-appeal

23.01.2022 2020 has been a year like no other. If there are any silver linings, it has shone light on the incredible generosity of people, companies and organisations, who have give so much and worked so tirelessly to make life better for those most vulnerable members of our community. We would like to make special mention of Adam and the team at StreetSmart Australia, who have been one of our biggest supporters this year. Back in April, St Mary's House of Welcome was fortunate to chos...en to take part in a two-week pilot of the #SmartMeals program. The project was to partner not-for-profit organisations with local restaurants and cafes, granting them money to purchase healthy and delicious ready-made meals, sandwiches and sweet treats for service users. The idea was (is) brilliant. Organisations like St Mary's House of Welcome got meals to distribute to people in need, while the restuarants were able to keep people in jobs during lockdown restrictions! Amazingly, that two week project lasted over eight months, during which time it grew to be rolled out across Australia. Over those months, we received thousands of quality, pre-packed, "takeaway" meals to distribute to our service users. It truly was a life-saver, particularly given we were unable to run our own kitchen due to spatial distancing requirements forcing us to temporarily stand down our volunteers. The wonderful restaurants we had the privilege of being partnered with over the months are Ladro Fitzroy + Ladro TAP in Prahran, Liminal, Rustica Sourdough Bakery & Cafe, Proud Mary, Bar Liberty Allpress Roastery and Punch Lane. Then, as if this level of support was not enough, we recently were granted 48 Sheridan sheet and towel sets through the StreetSmart #sleepsafe program. We can't thank StreetSmart Australia, Sheridan and our brilliant restuarant partners enough for this tremendous support. Thank you! Please, if you can, support this wonderful organisation and the companies and businesses they have worked with to make life better for those who rely on all of us for help <3

22.01.2022 Wow! What an amazing night! Thank you to everyone who stayed home and joined in the St Mary's House of Welcome De-Frustration for Dignity event. We hope you had as much fun as we did! Judging from the photos you have shared with us, it seems like you did. All proceeds raised go to the SMHOW "Welcome Relief" Meals program, which has seen over 105,000 meals distributed to some of Victoria's most vulnerable people - those sleeping rough and experiencing chronic homelessness and ...social isolation. A huge shout out to those who made this event possible - our wonderful host Max Allen, Revel Global; DNA Experience; Brown Brothers Winery; Port Phillip Estate; De Bortoli Wines; Casella Family Brands; Meredith Dairy; Yarra Valley Dairy; Milawa Cheese Company; Meatsmith; Largo Butchers; Andrew's Choice; Mount Zero Olives; Paynesville Pantry; Harper & Blohm Cheese Shop; Chocolatier Australia Ladro Fitzroy + Ladro TAP in Prahran To our amazing staff, volunteers, and supporters, as well as those big hearted companies, large and small who donated a silent auction item or two including... Vinomofo; Chalmers Wines Australia; Sofitel Melbourne on Collins; Flinders Hotel Mornington Peninsula; Rathbone Wine Group; Rob Dolan Wines; Nespresso; Richmond FC; Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery; Dinosaur Designs; Cristina Re; Fern and Gum; Luxe + Lumen; Co-Lab Pantry; The Melbourne Gin Company; Piccoli Portrait Photography; Pod and Parcel; Bed Threads; Crumpets by Merna; Pg Art Gallery; The Ark Clothing Co.; AS Colour; Matt Krumins Photography; Unico Hair; Globe Shoes/Skateboards; Wilkins and Kent; Smart Alec Hatters; Fitzroy Victoria Bowling & Sports Club; Maggie Beer; and more...A HUGE THANK YOU! If you were not able to make this year's event, but would like to support people in need right here in Victoria, please visit www.smhow.org.au/donate Thank you!

22.01.2022 Bored? Frustrated? Feel like you have nothing to look forward to? Don’t panic. Degustation for Dignity is back! Well, kind of...... What do you do when you can’t hold your favourite gala fundraising event due to Covid-19 physical distancing restrictions?? You change it up so you can. We can’t say too much right now, but watch this space. All will be revealed next week! What we will say is, sometimes it’s possible to be both cosy and classy at the same time! (Ps. As if we all would let Covid-19 frustrate our plans!)

20.01.2022 We are happy to announce that all tickets to next week's De-Frustration for Dignity event have been sold. Thank you to everyone who chose to stay home and join in for what will be a wonderful evening! If you missed out on buying a ticket, but would still like to help support people who are sleeping rough and experiencing chronic homelessness, please consider making a gift to support our Welcome Relief Meals Program www.smhow.org.au/donate... Thank you!

19.01.2022 Do you like cheese? Do you love cheese? Are you craving cheese right now? We are thrilled to announce that St Mary’s House of Welcome has been chosen as a charity partner by Cheese Therapy an Australian online cheese club via its Cheese for Good program. Every order of the St Mary’s Cheese Pack, results in St Mary’s House of Welcome receiving $15! All funds raised go to our Welcome Relief Meals Program!... Each 'St Mary’s Cheese Pack' contains four amazing Artisan cheeses (you can choose Australian, or International), which are delivered to your door, complete with tasting notes. The pack changes each month, so there is always something new to try. You can even sign up for a Cheese Subscription and a new hamper is delivered to your door every month! Perfect for Christmas and New Year entertaining, picnics, Friday night drinks, or as a gift for friends, family, colleagues Or, even better as a gift to yourself! Please share amongst all the cheese-loving folk you know!

18.01.2022 Milk is something we go through a lot of at St Mary's House of Welcome. That's why we are so grateful to have received a large donation of long life milk from Donna, Jodie and the team of franchisees at Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers! Thanks guys! You are amazing!!

17.01.2022 #SundayReflection

16.01.2022 It has been such a challenging year for all of us. As it draws to a close, our prayer is that 2021 is a much better year for everyone. Thank you to all of you who supported people in need through St Mary's House of Welcome over the past 12 months. We truly couldn't have done it with out you. Please stay safe, stay well and stay positive.... Happy New Year!

16.01.2022 Analysis by financial consultants JBWere suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects will undermine the charity sector for years. It predicts that, over the next two years, Australian not-for-profits will collect 18 per cent less income through donations. There is no doubt it’s going to be more difficult to raise money to be able to continue the work we do in the coming months and years - yet we expect to see a rise in the number of people sleeping rough and exp...eriencing chronic homelessness. That’s why initiatives such as the Donation Dollar are so important. We have signed up in the hope that some of these little coins can help us make a big difference!

16.01.2022 A glimpse into what has been happening at St Mary's House of Welcome as Victoria emerges out of Covid-19 lockdown.

15.01.2022 Since April, St Mary's House of Welcome has been very fortunate to be the recipient of thousands of #SmartMeals through StreetSmart Australia. This amazing program has partnered not for profit organisations across Australia with local restaurants and cafes, granting them money to purchase healthy and delicious ready-made meals, sandwiches and sweet treats. It's a win for everyone: we get meals to distribute to people in needs, the restuarants have been able to keep people in... jobs during lockdown! The wonderful restaurants we have had the privilege of being partnered with during this time are Ladro TAP, Liminal , Rustica Sourdough Bakery & Cafe, Proud Mary, @Bar Liberty Allpress Roastery and Punch Lane. We can't thank StreetSmart Australia and our brilliant restuarant partners enough for this tremendous support. PS. Now restrictions have eased, if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate, please consider visiting any, and all of these fine eateries to thank them!

15.01.2022 We are thrilled to be joined once again by renowned wine writer, Max Allen, at this year's De-Frustration for Dignity. Max is pretty excited about it too! ‘I’m really looking forward to taking this much-loved event online this year, and being able to interact with an even wider audience, everyone keen to support the great work of St Marys House of Welcome. Despite all the challenges that this remarkable year has thrown at Victoria’s wine and food community, producers have ral...lied to the cause and donated some delicious things for you to enjoy on the night. And, thanks to the fact we’ll all be getting together remotely, we’ll be able to hear directly from those producers on the night. I can’t wait!’ When: Friday 30 October, 7.00 8.30pm Where: In the comfort of your own home! Tickets - $220 for a wine and grazing hamper for two, delivered to your door, exclusive online access to a wine Masterclass by Max Allen; as well as tasting notes, links to an online silent auction, and more... all delivered to you in the comfort of your own home! Anywhere in Australia! https://www.trybooking.com/BLMVL A night at home, to help those without a home. In support of St Mary’s House of Welcome meals program. Please share

15.01.2022 "The kind of money it would take to solve the homeless problem could well be less than the kind of money it took to ignore it"

14.01.2022 Back in April, when things were starting to look pretty grim and we had just entered into our first lot of Covid-19 restrictions, we posted this message to our wonderful online community. Today, seven months later, as we celebrate our fourth #donutday of no new Covid-19 cases, and no new deaths, it seems like a beautiful day indeed. Thank you Victoria <3

14.01.2022 Tonight, we share with you the second of two stories featuring St Mary's House of Welcome, produced by RMIT journalism students, working on a project on life during Covid-19 as part of a partnership with Channel Nine news. Let us know what you think!

13.01.2022 We are still looking for wonderful people to consider signing up to our Target Homeless campaign and pledge a monthly gift of $10 to help people sleeping rough and those experiencing chronic homelessness. Our aim was to sign up 100 people during August. Sadly, we werent able to reach that goal, and we'd love to get a few more people on board to help support this vital work. A monthly gift of $10, will provide a substantial, brown paper bag, takeaway meal pack to one of the mo...st marginalised and socially isolated people in our community. A person who would otherwise go without. If you are in a position to help out (and we realise that, sadly, many are not), please consider joining up today and helping us #targethomelessness all year round. https://www.smhow.org.au/target-homelessness Please share Thank you

13.01.2022 Tough. Frustrating. Challenging. No matter how you look at it, 2020 has been a year like no other. Normally, at this time of year, here at St Mary’s House of Welcome, we are busy organising ‘Degustation for Dignity’, our gala event to help people sleeping rough and experiencing chronic homelessness.... Covid-19 and physical distancing has put a stop to that. That’s why we are bringing you De-Frustration for Dignity. (And, by saying we are bringing it to you, we actually are!) Each ticket purchased entitles you to a premium grazing hamper for two, full of beautiful Victorian wine and produce; exclusive access to an online wine masterclass hosted by renowned wine writer, Max Allen; as well as tasting notes, links to an online silent auction, and more... all delivered to you in the comfort of your own home! Anywhere in Australia! So, join us - kind of - for a night-in to relax, unwind, and shake off some of the frustrations of the year. If you can’t make it, or if you just want to spread some cheer, purchase a ticket for a friend, loved one, or colleague who could do with a little De-frustration in their lives When: Friday 30 October, 7.00 8.30pm Where: In the comfort of your own home! Tickets - $220 for a wine and grazing hamper for two, delivered to your door, exclusive online access to wine Masterclass https://www.trybooking.com/BLMVL A night at home, to help those without a home. In support of St Mary’s House of Welcome meals program.

12.01.2022 HURRY - TICKET SALES END THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER! There is still time to get your ticket to this year's De-Frustration for Dignity event! But, to ensure timely delivery of hampers, tickets are only available until Thursday 22 October, unless sold out! When: Friday 30 October, 7.00 8.30pm... Where: In the comfort of your own home! Tickets: $220 for a wine and grazing hamper for two showcasing Victorian produce, delivered to your door, exclusive online access to wine Masterclass by renowned wine writer, Max Allen; as well as tasting notes, links to an online silent auction, and more... all delivered to you in the comfort of your own home! Anywhere in Australia! https://www.trybooking.com/BLMVL A night at home, to help those without a home. In support of St Mary’s House of Welcome meals program.

11.01.2022 It's unlikely many people know this, but each year, on Christmas Day for the past 20 years, Richard Wynne MP, has volunteered, serving meals at The Big Give - St Mary's House of Welcome's Christmas lunch for people sleeping rough or experiencing chronic homeless and disadvantage. This year, we may have not been able to run the lunch, due to Covid, but that didn't stop the Victorian Minister for Housing, dropping by, rolling up his sleeves and handing out meal packs and hampers to our appreciative service users. We are tremendously grateful to Premier Dan Andrews, Minister Wynne and the Victorian Government for their support of the work St Mary's House of Welcome does in the community. Thank you!

10.01.2022 There is still time to sign up to our Target Homeless campaign and pledge a monthly gift of $10 to help people sleeping rough and those experiencing chronic homelessness. Our aim is to enlist 100 people in the month of August. So far, 17 amazing people have joined up. We'd love to get a few more people on board to help support this vital work. A monthly gift of $10, will provide a substantial, brown paper bag, takeaway meal pack to one of the most marginalised and socially is...olated people in our community. A person who would otherwise go without. If you are in a position to help out (and we realise that, sadly, many are not), please consider joining up today and helping us #targethomelessness all year round. https://www.smhow.org.au/target-homelessness Please share :) Thank you <3

10.01.2022 We know Melburnians care deeply about helping those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness and food insecurity at this time of year. Please give through our ‘Welcome Relief@Christmas’ hamper campaign to ensure our most vulnerable community members don’t go without this Christmas. Your gift of $55 today, will help us reach our goal to deliver 750 Christmas meal packs, along with a hamper full of basic staples, and some Christmas treats, to those at-risk Melburnians who ha...ve done it particularly tough this year people living in crisis accommodation; people sleeping rough; and people experiencing chronic homelessness and disadvantage with no place to go this Christmas. Please read more about this vital work in the latest edition of Melbourne Magazine. To make a gift visit, https://www.smhow.org.au/welcomereliefxmas Thank you

09.01.2022 A big THANK YOU to Daniel, a year 11 student at Xavier College who has done an incredible job sewing all of these face masks for our service users. Well done, Daniel! You are amazing!!!

08.01.2022 They have arrived! Those of you who are taking part in tomorrow night's De-Frustration for Dignity event should have received your grazing hamper by now. The real test is not digging in until tomorrow night!!!! For those who didn't secure a ticket, but are curious about what's inside, you will have to wait until tomorrow night when all will be revealed!!! ... #DeFrustration4Dignity

08.01.2022 Dress rehearsal!! Get ready for De-Frustration for Dignity!!!

07.01.2022 Join us - kind of - for this year's De-Frustration for Dignity, a night-in to relax, unwind, and shake off some of the frustrations of the year. If you can’t make it, or if you just want to spread some cheer, purchase a ticket for a friend, loved one, or colleague who could do with a little De-Frustration in their lives! When: Friday 30 October, 7.00 8.30pm Where: In the comfort of your own home! Tickets - $220 for a wine and grazing hamper for two, delivered to your door,... exclusive online access to wine Masterclass by renowned wine writer, Max Allen; as well as tasting notes, links to an online silent auction, and more... all delivered to you in the comfort of your own home! Anywhere in Australia! https://www.trybooking.com/BLMVL A night at home, to help those without a home. In support of St Mary’s House of Welcome meals program. Please share :)

06.01.2022 There is no doubt that things have been tough this year, on many different levels, in a multitude of ways. Many people are hurting, especially in our beautiful state of Victoria. Today is #ruokday2020. So, please not just today, but also every other day of the year, when you notice the signs someone is struggling, take the time to ask R U OK? If they say they’re not OK, make time to listen, encourage action and check in. ... And, of course, take the time you need to make sure U R OK too <3 Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 - A crisis support service offering short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe. www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1800 512 348 - Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/ Care in Mind - online and phone counselling for people living, working, or studying in Melbourne's northern, central, and western suburbs. Phone: 1300 096 269 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). CareinMIND online counselling. MensLine - professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Phone 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). MensLine online counselling. Mindspot - free telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression and can help you find local services. Call 1800 61 44 34 (8am - 8pm, Monday - Friday; 8am-6pm, Saturday). Suicide Call Back Service - mental health support, call back service: 1300 659 467 or online at suicidecallbackservice.org.au (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) safe steps Family Violence Response Centre Statewide family violence support service www.safesteps.org.au (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

05.01.2022 A couple of months ago, we were very fortunate to be approached by two RMIT journalism students who were working on a project on life during Covid-19 as part of a partnership with Channel Nine news. Yesterday, the stories were published on the news website. We will publish both pieces over the next couple of days as they offer a lovely insight into the work of St Mary's House of Welcome, especially during this, the most challenging of times. Let us know what you think!

05.01.2022 Forget someone? Running out of time/patience/energy/creativity to find that last minute gift for the person who has everything??! Why not give your loved one a St Mary's House of Welcome "gift voucher"? Your gift to them will be giving a person in real need a meal, emergency aid, and other vital supports over the new year. Available in any denomination, with a choice of either a "Merry Christmas" or "Season's Greetings" message. ... It's the perfect gift for someone you're close to, to help someone you will never know. Simply donate on our website www.smhow.org.au/donate and write "GIFT VOUCHER" with the denomination/s you would like in the comments section on the online donation form. Alternatively, email us at [email protected] with your request. We will email your voucher/s back to you asap, ready for you to forward to your friends. Please note: As the St Mary's House of Welcome elves need their beauty sleep, gift vouchers can only be ordered up to 8pm on Christmas Eve. Get in quick!

05.01.2022 The fantastic team at Domino's Pizza Carlton (VIC) have made a special delivery of pizza to the House of Welcome as a special Friday treat for our service users! Best of all, they have pledged to make a monthly drop off! We are continually humbled by the generosity of our local businesses and community members, and so grateful for the people and companies that go out of their way to make life better for those most in need. Thank you!

03.01.2022 Some of our wonderful volunteers busily packing hampers for our De-Frustration for Dignity event on Friday night <3 We are so excited. We can't wait!

03.01.2022 Have you ordered your Cheese Therapy Cheese for Good 'St Mary's Cheese Pack' yet?? Every order of the St Mary’s Cheese Pack, results in St Mary’s House of Welcome receiving $15! All funds raised go to our Welcome Relief Meals Program! Each 'St Mary’s Cheese Pack' contains four amazing Artisan cheeses (you can choose Australian, or International), which are delivered to your door, complete with tasting notes.... The pack changes each month, so there is always something new to try. You can even sign up for a Cheese Subscription and a new hamper is delivered to your door every month! Perfect for Christmas and New Year entertaining, picnics, Friday night drinks, or as a gift for friends, family, colleagues But hurry!! 14th December is the cut off date for guaranteed Christmas deliveries!! https://www.cheesetherapy.com.au/pages/cheese-for-good

02.01.2022 The amazing team members of Nandos Collingwood have been busily 'iso-crocheting' colourful woollen squares which they stitched into this gorgeous blanket for us to give to one of our service users! What an amazing way to spend those extra-long hours in lockdown! Thank you so much, Emily and team! We <3 your work!

02.01.2022 Wishing all of our St Mary's House of Welcome family, a joyous, safe and peaceful Christmas. May your day be filled with happiness and moments to cherish.