About Us

Our Mission

The House of Welcome (HOW) is committed to serve asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, sexuality and religion.
We recognise that this group of people, displaced from their homes and homelands through war, conflict or persecution arrive in Australia suffering from trauma and loss; they are in need of help and accompaniment, especially those further traumatised by lengthy periods in Immigration Detention, homelessness and the difficulties of settlement.

Our Objectives

The House Of Welcome seeks to:

• Provide a place of welcome, trust and friendship for asylum seekers and refugees;
• Assist them in their transition to life in the Australian community;
• Develop their capacity to engage confidently with the various aspects of life in Australia and our culture;
• Promote their legal and human rights as they seek to have their status recognised;
• Enable them to become full and independent members of Australia as citizens

Principles

• Inclusivity
• Dignity & Respect
• Equity
• Partnership
• Welcoming
• Confidentiality
• Empowerment
• Human Rights

Our History

In October 1999, the Government introduced a punitive and restrictive policy of Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) granted to unauthorised arrivals that were recognised as refugees. Initially a TPV was for three years. It denied access to many of the services available to people with Permanent Protection Visas, including assistance with settlement into the community, family reunion and travel.

The House of Welcome was set up in 2001 to respond to the difficulties experienced by TPV holders in the Sydney community. HoW was initially run by a dedicated group of volunteers, expanding to a small team of paid staff in the years following 2003. In 2007, when the government repealled the policy of TPVs, our focus moved towards asylum seekers and refugees living in the community who had little or no support.

The House of Welcome was auspiced by the NSW Ecumenical Council until July 2010 when it became a project of the Franciscan Friars. Judy Berlak, a former Coordinator of Volunteers, offered the following historical and ethical reflections in her farewell address..

This photo was taken at the opening (June 2003) of the new premises provided by the Franciscan Friars. From left to right: Sr Lorraine Phelan, the then refugee Field worker for NSW Ecumenical Council; Sr Aileen Crowe former Peace and Justice Commission for Sydney Archdiocese; Sr Libby Rogerson Justice and Peace Commission for Parramatta diocese; Rev Ray Williamson the then Secretary General of the NSW Ecumenical Council; Ms Jenny Toisuta Balmain Uniting Church for Refugees; and Fr Kevin Goode, Franciscan.