This is a drop-in service to provide people seeking asylum and refugees with access to the information and support they need. Whether this service is accessed through the phone, email, or in-person, the team will take time to help the person with their enquiry on the spot or connect them with the right support. People seeking asylum may require information and support on food, emergency relief, financial assistance, housing, safety and family violence, documentation, and/or other needs. Depending on circumstances, the team may link people with an ASRC service or with an external service who can help. The team responds to every inquiry, supporting those with the most urgent needs first.
If you, or someone you know, are seeking this type of support, please see here for more information.
Support Services
Social Services
Emergency Relief
Seeking asylum in Australia can be a very complex and stressful process. Without access to many basic human rights, our clients may find themselves in emergency situations where immediate relief can be essential to prevent destitution. This service provides direct financial support in times of emergency (i.e. when there are safety risks or when escaping family violence), or for essential expenses like babycare, child and school related costs, utilities, public transport and phone credit.
If you, or someone you know, are seeking this type of support, please see here for more information.
Homelessness Support
Homelessness and housing insecurity is an enormous issue for everyone facing disadvantage in the Australian community. For people seeking asylum, this problem is often at the chronic end of the spectrum. Social Housing is not available to people on insecure visas and landlords/agents will often not consider people seeking asylum for rentals, which can lead to exploitation in the housing market.
Our team works with people to access housing and can provide short-term support for people who are at imminent risk of homelessness as well as crisis accommodation for people who are sleeping rough. This service supports clients to access the ASRC’s employment services and other relevant services, so they are able to live more independently and sustainably as they navigate the refugee determination process.
If you, or someone you know, are seeking this type of support, please see here for more information.
Connect with us
Need help from the ASRC? Call 03 9326 6066 or visit us: Mon-Tue-Thur-Fri 10am -4pm. Closed on Wednesdays.