St Mary’s House of Welcome
Supporting people who are homeless
St Mary’s House of Welcome is a not-for-profit open access centre in the heart of Melbourne providing basic essential services to people who are homeless and experiencing poverty, severe and persistent mental health issues, and those who are extremely isolated and socially marginalised.
Many of those who come to St Mary’s House of Welcome for help experience multiple issues such as sleeping rough, substance use, poverty, childhood trauma, mental illness, and institutionalization - all of which result in chronic social and health problems.
What we do
St Mary’s House of Welcome’s open-door policy means that anyone who needs help can come to the centre for practical assistance. Whether it’s a meal, a shower and a change of clean clothes or other material aid, or more specialist support such as information, referral to access specialist services, legal support and emergency relief, at St Mary’s House of Welcome, we open our doors to those in need.
In financial year 22/23, St Mary’s House of Welcome provided over 31,200 meals to some of our community’s most disadvantaged men, women and children.
Each day, St Mary’s House of Welcome helps approximately 200 people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and mental illness.
Each month, St Mary’s House of Welcome provides over 600 hot showers to men and women who have been sleeping rough.
A Delicious Way to Give Back
Our Gingerbread Houses of Welcome will not only help you and your family and friends create meaningful - and delicious - memories, but they help you create positive change in the community. Each gingerbread kit or house purchased helps change lives!
Your Impact
Your purchase of gingerbread house kits has a direct and meaningful impact on real people in need.
Funds raised will go directly to the St Mary’s House of Welcome “Welcome Relief” meals program, and to provide emergency support for those in need throughout Christmas and the New Year.
Just one DIY gingerbread kit provides meals for 5 service users at St Mary's House of Welcome, while a ready-made deluxe Gingerbread House feeds 10 people.
