Civil Society

HOME launches 20th anniversary fundraising campaign to continue support for migrant workers

HOME marks its 20th anniversary with a six-month fundraising campaign till 8 June 2025, aiming to sustain vital services for migrant workers in Singapore, including shelter, legal support, skills training, and advocacy for fair treatment and improved working conditions.

Published

1 year ago

9 May 2025

The Online Citizen

SINGAPORE: The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), a Singapore-based non-governmental organisation, is running a six-month digital fundraising campaign in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

The campaign aims to raise essential funds to sustain and expand HOME’s work in empowering migrant workers in Singapore, particularly those who face abuse and exploitation.

Established in 2004, HOME is dedicated to providing vital support to this vulnerable community.

Over the past two decades, the organisation has made significant contributions to the migrant worker community.

It has provided welfare assistance to over 40,000 individuals and offered temporary shelter to more than 10,000 workers in crisis.

Through its HOME Academy, nearly 20,000 migrant workers have been equipped with vocational skills.

HOME has also published 17 research reports and position papers, and played a key role in driving policy changes, including the landmark Day Off campaign for domestic workers.

A Call for Public Support

The 20th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign runs from 8 December 2024 to 8 June 2025 and has been approved under the Tote Board’s Enhanced Fundraising Programme.

Donations made during this period will be matched dollar for dollar. As HOME is an IPC-registered charity, contributions will qualify for 250% tax deductions.

HOME remains one of the few NGOs in Singapore that provides direct crisis services to migrant workers.

Its shelter supports up to 500 migrant women a year, while help desks across the island offer advice, legal support, and case management.

However, rising operational costs have placed increasing pressure on the organisation’s ability to sustain these essential services.

To meet this challenge, the organisation is launching a digital campaign to raise the funds required to maintain its core operations.

Projected Expenses for 2025

For the coming year, HOME projects the following key expenses: the welfare shelter is expected to cost S$355,500, while help desks require S$185,000.

Empowerment programmes, including the HOME Academy and HOME Family initiatives, are projected to cost S$51,500 and S$20,500 respectively.

Advocacy work—including public education campaigns, research, and events—is budgeted at S$35,000.

With adequate funding, HOME will be able to continue operating its shelter despite rising rental costs, and provide critical casework and legal support.

It also plans to expand its vocational training initiatives, empowering migrant workers with new skills and boosting their long-term employment prospects.

HOME Family activities will continue offering mental health support and help build a sense of belonging within the community.

Looking ahead, HOME aims to broaden its advocacy efforts.

These include advancing its #RestDayAllDay campaign, pushing for a ban on transporting workers in lorries, and advocating for better access to remedy for migrant workers.

These initiatives will be supported by public education and the development of communications materials to raise awareness and promote systemic change.