My Children Will Finally Grow in Peace

Leaving their home in Ethiopia was the only choice for Hawi, her husband Dejan, and their toddler Yafet. With Hawi being 6 months pregnant, the family was posed with a difficult choice. To stay meant facing severe persecution and arbitrary arrest, putting Dejan’s life in danger and leaving the family vulnerable. To leave meant a world of unknowns ahead for the family however, it was a risk they had to take for their survival.

Their journey to safety wasn’t easy. After exhausting their savings while waiting for their bridging visa to take effect, they found themselves homeless, with nowhere to turn. That’s when they came to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in Footscray, seeking help.

“I remember the first time I saw the purple building,” Hawi says. “We spent the whole day there getting help from so many people. My biggest concern was that we didn’t have a place to sleep that night, but they helped us.”

Thanks to the ASRC’s social services team, the family was provided emergency crisis accommodation ensuring the family had a place to sleep. Over the coming weeks, the ASRC supported Hawi and Dejan through every step of their journey: providing food, nappies, Myki cards, winter clothing, and access to healthcare.

When it became clear that staying in motels was unsafe for the pregnant mother, the ASRC’s Housing Program worked tirelessly to find the family a long-term home. Despite the challenges of Melbourne’s housing crisis and the additional barriers refugees face—no rental history and limited income—the program found a compassionate landlord willing to rent to the family.

This landlord not only provided a safe place to call home but also helped Dejan secure a construction job through his community connections. With stable housing and income, Hawi and Dejan could finally begin to rebuild their lives.

Shortly after moving into their new home, the family welcomed a healthy baby girl. “Hearing my baby’s heart was a sign of hope,” Hawi recalls. “My children will finally grow in peace.”

Your Support Makes Stories Like This Possible

Hawi and Dejan’s story is one of resilience, but it’s also a testament to the power of community. It’s because of supporters like you that the ASRC can provide critical services to families in need, helping them move from crisis to independence. 

This festive season, let’s shine a light of hope together for refugees and people seeking asylum. Click here to donate and make a lasting impact today.