2001
House of Welcome opens in Canley Vale, Sydney's south-west
Initiated by NSW Ecumenical Council with support from Anglican, Catholic, and Uniting churches
Provides emergency accommodation for people seeking asylum leaving Villawood Detention Centre on Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs)
House of welcome expanded its reach with a drop-in centre in Carramar, offering a lifeline of support to those struggling without resources or English skills
2002-2003
2004
As policies shifted, House of Welcome adapted, focusing on supporting people on bridging visas after the abolition of temporary protection visas. This marketed a significant pivot in our mission.
2007
2010
Under new leadership from St Francis Social Services and the Franciscan Friars, House of Welcome entered a fresh chapter, bringing renewed energy to its mission.
A major milestone was defined with a relocation to Granville. Here, services were expanded to include transitional housing, casework, financial aid, medical support, employment assistance and a food bank.
2017
2018
House of Welcome launched a catering social enterprise House of Welcome Catering (HW Catering), empowering people seeking asylum with hospitality work experience from a borrowed kitchen in Granville Community Centre.
2010
Under new leadership from St Francis Social Services and the Franciscan Friars, House of Welcome entered a fresh chapter, bringing renewed energy to its mission.
With HW Catering flourished with the expansion of a dedicated commercial kitchen at the Granville location.
2021
Today
House of Welcome continues to thrive, standing as one of NSW's largest transitional housing providers for people seeking asylum and refugees. It’'s legacy is built on compassion, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to forcibly displaced people.