Sisters of Mercy Immaculata Hall

The Sisters of Mercy arrived in South Africa in 1897, when a group from Strabane, Ireland, went to Mafeking. In the over 125 years since, the congregation has built a presence across South Africa that includes health care (wellness clinics, HIV/AIDS clinics, dental clinics), education, skills development, social services advice bureaus, prison visitation, and — most relevant to this directory — multiple shelter and support services for vulnerable persons in and around Johannesburg.

The submitted URL links to a 2019 news item about Immaculata Hall in Rosebank receiving bread donations from Caxton Joburg North as part of a Loaf Day campaign — a window into the congregation's ongoing community partnerships and fundraising efforts.

Three Sisters of Mercy facilities in Johannesburg are relevant to survivors and vulnerable persons:

Immaculata Hall — 17 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank

Immaculata Hall is a general homeless shelter in Rosebank, Johannesburg. It accepts men and women experiencing homelessness, providing overnight accommodation and basic care. Phone: +27 11 788 6829.

Important note: Public reviews note that Immaculata Hall has in at least one documented case declined to assist an individual receiving a government pension — suggesting some eligibility criteria may apply. People seeking assistance should call ahead.

Strabane Mercy Centre for the Homeless — Downtown Johannesburg

Strabane Mercy Centre was established in 1998 as part of the Sisters of Mercy's Centenary project, in direct response to the human crisis that unfolded as Johannesburg's city centre became derelict — businesses fled to the suburbs, crime rose, and thousands of people who had come to Egoli seeking work found themselves unemployed and on the streets.

The Centre accommodates approximately 100 homeless persons every night. The population it serves includes men and women who have lost jobs, South Africans and migrants, people living with HIV/AIDS, and those whose lives have been disrupted by the city's economic collapse. It provides a hot bath, clean clothes, a meal, a safe place to sleep, and — in documented cases — pathways to recovery: one featured resident recovered from advanced HIV illness and now works as a chef in a neighbouring town.

Mercy House — Johannesburg Area (Location Withheld for Safety)

Mercy House is the Sisters of Mercy's most specialised GBV service — a confidential-location shelter for abused and trafficked women and their children.

The majority of Mercy House residents are survivors of international human trafficking, primarily women from Thailand (with increasing numbers from other African countries and South Africa itself). This reflects Johannesburg's position as a major hub of trafficking networks — women are recruited, deceived, or coerced into travelling to South Africa and then subjected to exploitation. Mercy House provides them with a safe, supported environment in which to recover.

Over the past few years, the proportion of South African survivors has increased — reflecting both the expanding mandate of the shelter and the reality of domestic trafficking and severe domestic violence.

Key features of Mercy House: - Approximately 60 women and 25 children accommodated per year - Stays of 3–6 months (longer for pregnant women requiring protection) - Individual counselling and professional care as needed - Legal referral and court support (courts, hospitals, and clinics are all close by) - Skills training: computer literacy, child care education, hair styling, typing, baking, fabric painting, hand and machine sewing and pattern-drafting - Drop-in centre for non-residents — counselling and advice available to women not in residential care - DSD subsidises approximately 40% of running costs; the rest is raised through Misean Cara, Mercy Solidarity Fund, SA Bishops' Lenten Appeal Fund, SA Bishops' Foundation, and community donations

Bophelo Outreach Project (sponsored by Mercy House): A community education and awareness initiative on trafficking in persons, GBV, and HIV/AIDS — running workshops for social workers and the general public.

Sisters of Mercy South Africa: Immaculata Hall — 17 Sturdee Ave, Rosebank, JHB; Tel +27 11 788 6829. Strabane Mercy Centre — downtown Johannesburg (100 nightly). Mercy House — confidential location, Johannesburg area (trafficking/GBV survivors). Website: sistersofmercy.ie.