Mercy House to continue a legacy of support

A generous gift will make a lasting impact for women and families looking to recover and rebuild after violence. 

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW was generously gifted a block of eight units by the Sisters of Mercy in late 2024 to be used for continuing the Sisters’ legacy of supporting people who have experienced disadvantage. 

The gift from the Mercy Foundation, established as the charitable arm of the Sisters of Mercy more than three decades ago, will act as a domestic and family violence refuge known as Mercy House, offering three and four-bedroom units located close to local services, shops and schools. 

Mercy House will allow women and children to reside in transitional accommodation with individual apartment style homes for up to 18 months as they strive to regain stability in their lives in a safe, dignified and family-friendly environment. 

Case management staff from Vinnies Services will provide wraparound support during this time to address the individual needs of women and children and work to help them secure longer-term independent housing. 

Domestic and family violence remains the leading reason for assistance from Vinnies Services, accounting for close to a third of all requests over the last financial year. The addition of Mercy House will allow the Society to better respond to the needs of women and children who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness due to domestic and family violence. 

The latest reporting from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 1 in 5 adults and over 1 in 4 women had experienced family and domestic violence since the age of 15.

The Society outlined its position on Ending Domestic and Family Violence, along with recommended policy actions, in a Social Justice Statement released last year. 

“Everyone should be able to live safely within their own homes and be treated with respect in their relationships. Working towards a society where people are protected from violence and abusive relationships means reducing the pressures that heighten the risk of domestic and family violence.” 

Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State Council President, spoke on the shared Mercy and Vincentian values and the impact the service will have in restoring dignity and hope to people accessing assistance from the service.  

“What was once a place of Mercy outreach will now continue its mission under the Society ensuring that a legacy of compassion, hospitality, and justice continues to flourish.” 

“This home will serve as a place of refuge, support, and renewal for those who need it most.  

“The Sisters of Mercy and the Society of St Vincent de Paul have always shared a common calling—to stand with the poor, to lift up the oppressed, and to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.” 

As part of the transition of Mercy House, a generous donor provided funding for the new service to be fully furnished and the installation of additional security to create a safe and supportive environment for residents.