Keeping Women and Children Seeking Asylum in Safe Housing

We all have the need for a place to call home. It provides us with security and privacy as well as a place to be ourselves. And when we’re going through tough times, it can be our sanctuary.

Up to 1500 women and children seeking asylum in Melbourne face policies making it impossible for them to have a secure home. The majority don’t receive any form of income support or social safety net from the government, making it hard to cover rent. Most aren’t allowed to work and almost all face housing insecurity and the risk of homelessness.

“Housing support is a life changing experience for people seeking asylum, giving us hope of living. This grant will support us to provide women and children seeking asylum access to safe, secure housing – allowing them to stay in their local schools and connect with support networks.”

– Ursula De Almeida, Grants Coordinator

Organisation: Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Grant Type: Small Grant

Amount: $8,500

Year: 2018-2018

The ASRC Housing program provides rent assistance to people seeking asylum, currently supporting 48 women and 30 girls with no form of income or social safety net who are unable to maintain rental payments. The rent assistance model is a cost-effective and holistic method that keeps women and children seeking asylum in safe and secure housing, prevents destitution, and keeps people connected to community supports.

Back to 2018 grants

A special thank you to a Private Trust for supporting this project.