House of Mercy

Project Context

Income inequality is a significant issue in Mongolia. This is reflected in a range of socioeconomic indicators, including access to education and healthcare, and the prevalence of homelessness in urban areas.

Bayangol District is one of the nine in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It is a popular destination for immigrants from rural areas who are drawn to the opportunities and amenities of the city. Within the district, there are significant disparities in wealth which is particularly evident in housing.

About the Project

Cardinal Giorgio Marengo created the House of Mercy to be a grounding place for people who are struggling in life. The social centre seeks to reach out to the margins of our community, creating shelter for vulnerable people, especially women and children, to gather in care and love, feeling safe, at peace and valued.

The House of Mercy also functions as a first aid centre for the homeless. It provides access to a range of services including retaining a National Identification Card for healthcare services, and reconnecting people with their families during hard times. All people in need are provided with free laundry and bathing services, basic food supplies and clothing if needed.

The current facilities spread across three wings and are composed of two private homes that were joined together as one block. It has a basement, three floors, and a small parking lot which can hold three cars.

On the final day of his Apostolic Journey in Mongolia in 2023, Pope Francis visited and blessed the House of Mercy, acknowledging the missionary effort on the ground as being more than evangelical, but people orientated for the greater good.

This House of Mercy is a tangible expression of the Church’s care for others.

Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. Our foundational values of communication, trust, faith, context, future, and capacity inform the way we interact with project partners and develop new relationships.

Goal number 1: No Poverty

Access to warm, safe, and reliable shelter is a basic human right which this project aims to ensure for people in need of it in Mongolia. The average income of homeless individuals surveyed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is 418.9 thousand MNT (AUD $167.20) which is three to five times lower than the national average. Your generous support will help people regain a sense of dignity and have the opportunity to shift their circumstances.

Goal number 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

According to a survey run by the ADB, over 45 percent of homeless people living on the street in Ulaanbaatar do not have an ID card which means they cannot access public healthcare services. This project will help support people without ID cards to recieve one and be able to access the services they need. The House of Mercy also provides basic first aid and supports people in accessing further medical care if they need it.