Barriers to Housing for People Seeking Asylum in Australia
For people seeking asylum in Australia, finding safe and stable housing is often an uphill battle. These challenges are deeply embedded in Australia’s policies, funding structures, and social systems.
Here’s a closer look at the barriers and how organisations like House of Welcome are making a difference:
Excluded from Mainstream Housing Services
People seeking asylum are frequently ineligible for mainstream social and public housing, as well as related support services. This exclusion leaves many relying on already overstretched charitable organisations to have access to basic accommodation and meet essential needs.
The Disappearing Safety Net
The Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) program once provided a crucial safety net for people seeking asylum. However, eligibility for this program has become increasingly limited, leaving many without income, case management, or support. The Asylum Seeker Support program, administered by Services Australia, has been reduced by 95% in 2015-16, from $300 million to just $16 million, according to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. As a result, many people seeking asylum are left at risk of homelessness.
Lack of Government Funding for Support Services
Organisations like House of Welcome, which provide transitional housing and wrap-around support, receive little or no government funding. This limits the ability to expand services, despite growing demand and clear evidence of positive outcomes for clients. House of Welcome transitional housing program relies on the generosity of private donors, but the needs of the community far exceed available resources.
Visa Restrictions Create Further Obstacles
Many people seeking asylum are granted only bridging visas or temporary protection visas, which come with restrictive conditions. These often include denial of work rights and exclusion from mainstream support, making it nearly impossible to save for housing bonds or deposits. Even those who manage to achieve some economic stability find that banks will not offer loans or mortgages beyond the length of their visa, making long-term home ownership unattainable.
Limited Pathways Out of Homelessness
Specialist homelessness services in NSW often cannot help people seeking asylum move into longer-term housing, as mainstream exit pathways are closed to them. This creates a bottleneck in the system, with limited crisis and transitional accommodation options available.
“Finding stable housing was life changing for me. After months of uncertainty. Having a place to call home gave me peace of mind and security I desperately needed. Having stable housing has changed my life, allowing me to focus on rebuilding other parts of my life, like my mental health, work and personal goals. I no longer worry about where I would sleep at night. Home to me means safety, peace and a place that can heal and grow and dream again.”
House of Welcome’s Response
House of Welcome’s transitional housing program is a direct response to these barriers. Each night, we provide safe, transitional housing 81 people (June, 2025)—helping our clients rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and hope.
Our approach includes:
Safe and stable transitional housing for up to 12 months
Intensive, trauma-informed case management tailored to each client’s needs
Empowerment and skills-building programs to promote independence, including employment mentoring, work placements, and job-readiness preparation
Support with tenancy rights, education, and pathways to future housing
Referrals to legal, health, mental health and educational services to address complex needs
Why Your Support Matters
Your support is critical to sustaining and expanding these life changing programs. Together, we can break down barriers and create pathways to hope and belonging for people seeking asylum.
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Get Involved
Donate now and give people seeking asylum the safety, dignity, and hope they deserve. Give before June 30 to make your impact count this financial year.
*Person identity changed for protection of privacy