Why Bethune House exists
The Need for Shelter
Bethune House is an agent for changing lives.
We have pioneered the shelter services for migrant women workers, as well as a holistic approach in enabling them to become empowered. We create and implement programs to support their welfare when they are distressed, as well as support their psycho-social welfare and foster a sense of community.
Unlike other shelters, we provide more than temporary shelter and provisions. We provide case and medical support, as well as education and training for skills improvement, and advocacy. We are concerned with the totality of the person’s welfare. This already distinguishes us from the rest.
There is a great lack in services available to migrant women workers who have had contracts terminated. Once a contract is terminated, each MDW can only stay in HK for 14 days, they are prohibited from earning income during this time and have no recourse to public health or other services. There is a rising demand over the years because of the increase in incidents of premature contract terminations and unfortunate incidents of abuse and exploitation. Living expenses in HK are expensive and our migrant women workers rely on charitable resources to enable them to stay in Hong Kong while their cases are being heard in the HK justice system
We are a non-profit organisation with a lean operation, supporting up to 700 cases annually with 3 permanent members of staff and up to 6 volunteers at every time. We also do not have a steady source of funding support. We constantly work to raise resources for our service beneficiaries on top of the hours devoted to actually provide the services. As such, we rely on kind-hearted groups and individuals for donations.
Migrant women workers are a key contributor to Hong Kong society. We provide care and support to those who care for some of us, and we hope more can come alongside us in supporting one of HK’s most marginalised and un-supported sectors.
Testimonials
Our story
Empowering a pillar of Hong Kong's society
Bethune House is forerunner for services in Hong Kong dedicated for distressed migrant women since 1986. We provide shelter services (food and accommodation), emergency relief assistance, legal and medical case support, counselling and psychosocial activities for Asian migrant women, mainly foreign domestic helpers.
We also have pioneered a holistic approach in caring for them. This includes contributing to the coping capacity and empowerment of the individual’s psycho-social welfare. We provide safe, secure and supportive environment to these Asian migrant women in crisis as they work on their problems, access justice, and survive their hardships.
Bethune House operates two shelters. At any given time, 25- 30 women foreign domestic workers in distress are sheltered at both shelters. Each week, 6 to 7 migrants in distress seek temporary shelter and assistance from Bethune House. On an average, residents stay in Bethune House from two weeks to up to two months and sometimes for more than one year.
Our mission :
To provide safe, decent and accessible shelter provisions to Asian women migrants in crisis, especially foreign domestic workers;
To make available emergency services, guidance, including case support to shelter residents;
To provide continuing education and empowerment for shelter residents enabling them to better cope with their problems and raise their dignity as persons and as members of the community.
To provide psycho-social services and activities to develop coping, confidence-building and system for mutual support.
To promote the concerns and needs of these migrant women in crisis to the general public in Hong Kong and build support around it.
In the news
Bethune House has been featured in several news stories both in English and Chinese publications. We have compiled some of these stories for your reference here.
Narrative Reports
Transparency is an important part of our work. To read our latest narrative reports outlining the breadth of our work in more detail, please click the button below.
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Meet Edwina Antonio, the inspiring Executive Director of Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.
With unwavering dedication, Edwina has devoted over 35 years to supporting distressed women migrants. She has witnessed the harsh realities of economic displacement faced by women from impoverished countries, who often find themselves disempowered and marginalized in Hong Kong.
As the Executive Director of this vital community shelter, Edwina tirelessly represents Bethune House at charity events while being deeply involved in the daily operations and fundraising efforts. Leaving her life in the Philippines in 1989, she embraced the mission to uplift migrant workers in Hong Kong. 24-hour on call, she understands the critical importance of providing immediate shelter, especially during the night when contracts are terminated.
Choosing to sleep in the shelter, Edwina stands shoulder to shoulder with 12 residents, each with unique journeys. She passionately attends to their physical, spiritual, and mental well-being, supported by her dedicated staff. Her commitment to fundraising is driven by the pressing need to sustain both shelters.
Rising at 7 a.m., Edwina is greeted by residents who seek her guidance. They share their hopes and concerns while she prepares breakfast or works at her computer. With every conversation, she fosters a nurturing environment, discussing menus, replenishing groceries, and addressing their needs.
Edwina begins each day addressing the many cases that require her attention. After preparing herself, she tackles essential administrative tasks, coordinates staff training, and follows up on ongoing cases at both shelters. Periodically, she visits the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) to connect with more women, guiding them through their challenges and decision-making processes.
As a steadfast advocate, Edwina accompanies residents to court hearings and meetings with police, as well as Labor and Immigration Departments. She stands by their side, helping them take statements, calculate claims, and navigate their paths to brighter futures.
Edwina is the youngest of four siblings from Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines. She took up BS Industrial Pharmacy at the University of the Philippines. She has a 39-year-old son. She is now married to a Pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). A former member of the Hong Kong Against Racial Discrimination (HARD), Edwina is also a founding board member of Action for Reach-Out, a local group that provides support and assistance to commercial sex workers in HK. She is a member of the Kowloon Union Church (KUC), currently a member of its Care and Fellowship Ministry, and formerly the secretary of its Council. Edwina is the Recording Secretary of the Board of the Mission For Migrant Workers. She is an adviser to different migrant organizations in Hong Kong.
Our Executive Director with Bethune House founders