St John's Cathedral Community News October 2017 #91

October Outreach : Mercy Community Services’ Romero Centre

Abida* is one of those recently informed that her income support was gone, and she had to vacate her accommodation within a few weeks. Although 25-year old Abida has a bridging visa and the right to work, she cannot access education to gains skills for employment. Having arrived by boat, she will never be granted the right to settle here. Without an income, Abida can no longer meet her basic needs. Facing homelessness, she came to the Romero Centre where the team took time to understand and assist with her immediate needs: food, transport, and accommodation, and a plan to ensure she can access appropriate support to receive a fair go. Gemma* fled from war-ravaged Sudan, eight months pregnant and with no money, friends or family. Homeless and close to giving birth, she needed emergency support. The Romero team was able to provide safety when most needed, organising accommodation for Gemma before the birth of her baby girl. The sadness of isolation was most felt by Tran* when his application for asylum was rejected.

Having fled his home in the Middle East, he was emotionally exhausted and “just wanted to die”. Having an application rejected is not uncommon, usually due to incomplete documentation and errors easily made with limited English. Tran needed emergency counselling, and expertise to assist with the appeal process. Everyone has the right to feel safe, supported and welcome. We try hard to welcome those who come into the Cathedral. Can we help the Romero Centre to show that same welcome to those seeking asylum in Brisbane? Donations to the Romero Centre are tax- deductible. Outreach envelopes for October are available at the Outreach Board in the Narthex. Please place your donation in an Outreach envelope and either • give it with your offering • place it in the Donations Box in the Cathedral • give it to a warden • or give it to the Cathedral Office during office hours Monday-Friday. If you wish to receive a receipt, please write your name and address clearly on the reverse of the envelope. Thank you. *Names changed and stock photography used to respect and protect privacy.

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OCTOBER 2017