More than a Shelter Home

On 5 June 2025 we held an emotional and joyous celebration for the opening of our newly renovated shelter for Migrant Domestic Workers. When our staff and residents viewed the space, they were so dumbstruck that an awe filled hush came over everyone!

At the ‘house-warming’ event Judy*, one of our shelter residents, wept with joy and shared her feelings of safety, warmth, and her gratitude to the Migrant Domestic Workers Center for embracing her when she was at her most vulnerable.

Another migrant domestic worker, from Indonesia, shared her story. Her time in Hong Kong was marked by silence, injustice, and invisibility. She spoke not of luxury, but of the softness of her bed, the privacy she never imagined regaining, and her deep appreciation that Christian Action asked for nothing in return.

This wasn’t merely a celebration of new furniture and fresh paint, it was a testament to healing. For those who need a temporary shelter, it is a sanctuary for rebuilding trust, restoring identity, and renewing hope. Here, the women feel safe enough to share their talents, create art and craft, and offer comfort to one another while waiting for their legal cases to be heard.

Judy* and Macy’s* stories reminded everyone present that true care isn’t measured in square footage but in respect, tenderness, and the promise of a new beginning.

This project would not have been possible without the generous support of Professor Du from the Urban Ecologies Design Lab (UEDL) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and vital funding from the Bank of China (Hong Kong), and also long term supporters - Mission 21, Tsung Tsin Mission, and the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China. We invite you to join our donors in helping rebuild lives and restore dignity through the continued operation of the MDW shelter. For women who have endured unbearable hours, withheld wages, and indignities many would rather not speak of—your support is invaluable. Support now.

Blessings,
Siew Mei

* - Names have been changed to protect client's identities.