Originally set up as a drop-in centre for homeless young people and latch-key kids in 1978, the centre offered a safe place to be, warm meals and connection to youth workers. It was operated by two De La Salle brothers (Max Scully FSC and Martin Blattman FSC), supported by the parish priest of St Francis of Assisi, Peter Cliffod OFM. David Leary was among an original group of volunteers and became the first paid employee in December 1978. The centre was only open in the evenings from 7pm to 1am Tuesday to Sunday.

The De Le Salle brothers withdrew from the centre and David Leary and a new parish priest, Nick Lucas OFM, had to decide about its ongoing role and governance. It was renamed the Come-in Centre and St Francis Welfare Committee was established to oversee its work. The centre’s operating hours gradually expanded to a full-time service, open five days a week and some evenings.

The number of staff had grown to more than 12. It was a medium-sized social service and specialist youth service employing counsellors, psychologists, social workers and support staff. Almost half of its funding was from the State and Federal governments. It was also supported by the Franciscan Order, the local parish and private donors.

This reflected a change in direction, with a focus on a more appropriate intervention model emphasising community service rather than welfare. The centre has a reputation for providing clinical excellence.

The House of Welcome was set up as an alliance of church organisations seeking to provide a compassionate response to the negative government policies affecting people seeking asylum.

St Francis Social Services was a founding member that also provided the premises in Carramar for the House of Welcome to operate from.

The House of Welcome continues to rely on the financial, voluntary and pro bono support of the community to provide its services.

In 2016, the Come In Youth Resource Centre was renamed Centre 360 Youth and Family Service. In 2017, House of Welcome relocated from Carramar to Granville where it is now. Today Centre 360 has eight staff (full-time and part-time) and the House of Welcome has 12 staff (full-time and part-time).