We’ve just distributed $161,000 in funding to give care and support to those facing hidden homelessness. The homelessness crisis gripping Australia is mostly hidden from us, with the majority of people without a safe place to call home going unseen, slipping under the radar.
Thousands have been displaced by Cyclone Alfred and the associated severe weather and remain disconnected, traumatised, and grappling with how to find their way forward. Those already disadvantaged and on the margins, facing homelessness are relying on community-led emergency relief to access basic essentials. We’ve been able to plug the funding gaps for 4 grassroots organisations on the ground with $10,000 in grants, and distribute over $28,400 in material aid.
Young people facing homelessness have an uphill battle in finding and keeping a safe affordable home in Australia. Safety nets are failing to provide security for vulnerable young people, creating traumatic cycles of homelessness, violence, and poverty. Together we’ve provided training employment and educational outcomes for young people.
Already this year, SleepSafe kits has created over 9,600 moments full of care, comfort, hope, and dignity for those facing homelessness. When in crisis, brand new sheets and towels are a reminder you’re cared for, and that you have value. They can symbolise a fresh start after a safe nights sleep.
The homelessness sector is in a ‘climate of crisis,’ where opportunities that strengthen frontline organisations and staff often fall to the wayside and are unable to be prioritised. That’s why we are funding 3 areas to build capacity, boost advocacy and drive systemic change.
Last December, restaurants and diners across the country partnered up with our DineSmart campaign to support people experiencing homelessness on their journey towards a place to call home.
Faced with increasing rents, a chronic lack of affordable housing, and income support below the poverty line, vulnerable people are up against systemic barriers that limit their access to safe affordable housing. Through our End of Year Appeal, we rallied our community to raise funds and awareness for young people, those with pets, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Active Futures has kicked off with a small inaugural grants round. The program creates opportunities for people to access sports and recreational activities that help reduce social isolation, build resilience, and improve health & wellbeing outcomes for those at risk
Often grappling with impossible decisions between homelessness or violence and poverty, women and gender diverse people increasingly have nowhere safe to turn. They face persistent and systemic barriers to accessing housing and often experience ‘hidden’ forms of homelessness. Our community raised funds through September and October and 15 grants have been distributed to respond to this growing need.
In August, as part of Homelessness Week, cafes across Australia turned into hubs of community action, raising funds to support those in their local area who are facing homelessness. CafeSmart 2024 showcased the incredible community-driven efforts of the Australian coffee industry, uniting 50 roasters, 800 cafes, an incredible network of industry sponsors, and of course thousands of coffee lovers and cafe goers in taking action on homelessness.
StreetSmart is an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace that values diversity of expression. We know that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are particularly vulnerable to experiencing homelessness and we partner with organisations that work to support people in need, without discrimination or prejudice.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands on which our organisation is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present. StreetSmart is committed to honouring Indigenous peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
StreetSmart is an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace that values diversity of expression. We know that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are particularly vulnerable to experiencing homelessness and we partner with organisations that work to support people in need, without discrimination or prejudice.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands on which our organisation is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present. StreetSmart is committed to honouring Indigenous peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
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