In 1862, a group of women, including Bishop Short's wife Millicent, lobbied the government for assistance to establish a servants' home. The aim was to provide temporary accommodation for newly arrived female immigrants, and for servants who were between jobs or recovering after hospital treatment. Although established under Bishop Short's chairmanship, the managerial committee consisted of a group of women chaired by Mrs Short. Members included Mary Colton and Emily Clark, who were active in other organisations and religious groups. In December 1862 the 'Convalescent and Servants' Home' opened in Gilles Street. Hundreds of women stayed at the home each year. By 1876 it had moved to a substantial building on the corner of Flinders Street and Gawler Place. The Home closed in about 1895.