Providing short term accommodation for destitute female asylum seekers
Since 2016 St Monica's has offered accommodation to several dozen destitute women seeking asylum in the UK whose initial application to remain had been refused.
We are based in Leeds and are supported by the board of trustees, volunteers and supporters including various local Catholic organisations, e.g. St Vincent De Paul Society (SVP); Leeds Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission; and Catholic Care.
January 2023: The SMHL Trustees are excited to announce that we have received the keys to our new house.
Over the next few months we will be very busy renovating and refurbishing a new home for existing and new residents.
You can support our renovation project by donating. Alternatively, if you'd like to sponsor one of the new rooms, please contact the Trustees
How does the service work?
St Monica’s works in partnership with local organisations and charities, including the RC Diocese of Leeds; Catholic Care; SVP; the Red Cross; and PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers).
We are also working to create a secure financial future for our current houses in Beeston and Harehills and the resources to open additional houses in subsequent years by applying for grant funding.
“A thank you can never be enough for seeing me through the most traumatic times when I was ill and had no place to turn to.”
— Quote from a former resident.