"Safe House"

"Safe House" was founded on November 1, 1993, when the Thai government began deporting illegal migrant workers to the Thai-Burma border, transporting them in ten-wheeled trucks every Thursday. Some workers who were able to contact their families returned home, while others, unable to do so or suffering from physical and mental health issues, returned to a village. These workers relied on food from the locals, causing fear among the villagers. As a result, provisions of food and shelter were arranged for them.

Later, the Women's Committee of the Church of Christ in Thailand visited a church in Sangkhla Buri district and witnessed the situation firsthand. They donated funds for initial support and sought assistance from the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC), later known as The Border Consortium (TBC). This organization provided comprehensive aid, including food, clothing, medical care, and stipends, until withdrawing in 2015.

Tear Australia contributed by offering agricultural and handicraft training, such as weaving, to patients and interested villagers, until withdrawing in 2016. Karen Aid, which supported the elderly, withdrew in 2017. Afterward, the remaining funds and donations were used to sustain Safe House.

In 2018, Safe House came under the care of Kwai River Christian Hospital, but this assistance ended in 2023. The Region 16 Committee took over responsibility for Safe House, assigning its management to the Region 16 Women's Committee, who solicited donations from various sources to continue its operations. Currently, there are 29 patients: 16 women and 13 men, with 90% suffering from schizophrenia and the remaining 10% dealing with conditions such as epilepsy, HIV, paralysis, high blood pressure, and depression.

Shalom has been supporting Safe House by providing partial food supplies, special meals, basic healthcare, volunteer haircuts, recreational activities, and emotional encouragement for all residents.