Bienvenu Shelter

Bienvenu Shelter was founded on 23 March 2001 by the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters in a suburb of Johannesburg — a congregation whose entire mission is to serve migrants and refugees, in the spirit of Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles, after whom the shelter is named. In 2024 alone, the shelter provided safe accommodation to 163 women and their children, served three meals daily plus snacks to all residents, supported 92 children through their baby room and crèche, and — through their outreach programme — directly benefited over 11,000 families in the surrounding community. Their model is compassionate, practical, and deeply respectful of the dignity of every woman who comes through their doors.

More than 60% of women at Bienvenu come from Francophone-speaking African countries — the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Cameroon, and others — arriving in South Africa having survived war, persecution, trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual violence, with little or no documentation, no right to formal employment, and no knowledge of South African systems.

What They Offer Refugee and Migrant Survivors

Safe, Secure Residential Accommodation Bienvenu provides up to three months of free, safe shelter for refugee and migrant women and their children. Residents receive three nutritious meals a day plus snacks, access to their baby room and crèche for younger children, and daily essentials throughout their stay.

Counselling and Psychosocial Support Individual counselling, children's play therapy, and family group therapy are provided by skilled and trained professionals — addressing the deep trauma that many residents carry from experiences of war, persecution, trafficking, and violence in both their home countries and in South Africa.

Legal Assistance and Documentation Legal services help residents understand their rights as refugees and migrants in South Africa, navigate the asylum-seeker and refugee documentation process, and access the government services that documentation makes possible. Lack of papers is one of the most paralysing barriers for refugee women in South Africa, and Bienvenu works actively to help resolve this.

English Language Classes Because over 60% of residents are Francophone and struggle to access any services without English, Bienvenu provides dedicated English language instruction — held at a room provided by the Cathedral of Christ the King, open to residents, ex-residents, and local community members. This class is essential for employability and self-sufficiency after leaving the shelter.

Skills Training — Sewing and Income Generation An accredited sewing programme, inaugurated in 2002, provides women with a marketable skill to improve their earning potential. In a typical year, approximately 60 women graduate — with the most skilled graduates receiving sewing machines to start their own small enterprises. The class creates bonds between residents and local community women, breaking down isolation.

Crèche and Early Learning Development A baby room and crèche support children of residents throughout their stay — providing safe care and early learning so that mothers can engage in skills training and counselling.

Post-Shelter Outreach Programme After women leave the shelter, Bienvenu's outreach programme continues to support them — providing food parcels, blankets, transport to clinics and hospitals, and emotional support. Their message: "We listen, care, and make sure they feel supported even after leaving our shelter."

Bienvenu Shelter is specifically for refugee and migrant women and children in Johannesburg. Contact them via their website for intake information: bienvenushelter.scalabrinianas.org