Box Hill, Melbourne

Box Hill is a multicultural suburb located in Melbourne's east in the City of Whitehorse (see map). It has a strong Asian influence as well as many young families, students, elderly people who have lived in the area for multiple decades and medical staff who work at one of the two major hospitals. The House of Restoration headquarters are located here, including offices and a meeting room. We also have two separate houses within walking distance of the headquarters which are used as accommodation for people in need.

 Programs and Projects: what happens in Box Hill?

• Accommodation Program for people in need - providing accommodation options for people wanting to achieve restoration and wholeness, with an emphasis towards family reunification and independent living where appropriate.
• Mentoring Program for young people - working with teens and young adults who require assistance in education, employment and social living and developing suitable programs for each individual.
• Family Gathering - a weekly gathering of the House of Restoration friends and family. A time of sharing, discussing issues and building relationships with one another. Anyone is welcome to come along and experience what holds this 'family' together.
• Street Ministry - every few weeks a team heads up to Box Hill central to offer hotdogs, coffee and a listening ear to anyone who's hungry or just wanting a chat. This is one of the ways we meet people who have need of the services and assistance that House of Restoration provides.
• Sports Afternoons - Getting involved in healthy, risk-free activities is one way for young people to beat addictions and destructive habits. Friendly sports and games run every Sunday in Box Hill for people of any age, gender or nationality.
• D'Light - this performing arts team based out of Box Hill aims to help young people increase their confidence and fulfill their potential.
• Reach - a bi-monthly gathering where anyone is welcome to come along for a meal and to meet new people.
• Adult Computer Course - a free course for people over 25 years old. This course teaches basic computer skills, which will assist in gaining employment and building self-confidence.

Braybrook, Melbourne

Braybrook is a diverse suburb located in the City of Brimbank (see map) in Melbourne's West. In recent years many refugees and migrants from African and Asian nations have made Braybrook their home. It is also the place of residence for many university students who attend the Victoria University Campus, as well as families from hundreds of different nations. In January 2008 House of Restoration acquired the use of a warehouse as a base to run education and training programs and to house the food and relief program. It also is used for storing the many resources collected for Shining Light. This base will also become a central meeting place for people in need of friendship or assistance.

 Programs and Projects: what happens in Braybrook?

• Food & Relief Program - delivering fresh bread, groceries and other household essentials to the neediest families and individuals in the Brimbank area.
• Street Ministry - getting out and about in Braybrook and the surrounding suburbs to meet and get to know the local people. Through this we come across many people in crisis situations who may benefit from the relief program or be referred to the mentoring or accommodation programs offered by House of Restoration. Alternatively we can refer people to other local government and charity organisations who may be able to help them.
• Adult Computer Course - a free course for people over 25 years old. This course teaches basic computer skills, which will assist in gaining employment and building self-confidence.