Providing safety, security and a sense of place
Without supported housing and a sense of security, asylum seekers can feel incredibly vulnerable. They can be prone to poor mental health, language barriers and social isolation.
We work with parishes to arrange supported housing, provide practical help, and advocate for families seeking asylum while they wait for a final decision on their claim for protection and asylum in Australia.
What help is available?
At CatholicCare we provide practical help to the asylum seeker families who receive supported housing through this program.
This includes financial support for food, clothes and utility bills; referrals to services such as counselling and educational workshops; and general support and advocacy.
Our asylum seeker support includes:
- supported housing, which is often enabled by local parishes and volunteers
- advocacy for families seeking asylum
- links to local community groups
- links to support services for families
Volunteers from parishes help support families depending on their individual needs and circumstances. This can include:
- family visitation
- homework support
- material aid
- group activities
- English language practice
- community engagement
Please note that there is limited housing available.
How do families access this service?
We take referrals from frontline asylum seeker support agencies including Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Australian Red Cross, Foundation House and the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project.
Support and information is available to those who speak languages other than English.
More information
Contact us
Support for asylum seekers is delivered in partnership with parish volunteers.
For more information on this program or if you or your parish would like to get involved, please contact our Dandenong office:
T: 03 8710 9600
E: Dandenong@ccam.org.au
Other services
You might also be interested in some of the following services offered at CatholicCare: