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.
The Homelessness crisis gripping Australia is often hidden, and the majority of people without a safe place to call home often go unseen.
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.
Trying to shelter from a Cyclone without a home is impossible, yet thousands of people up and down the eastern seaboard have been trying to survive in that situation. It will take weeks for the full extent of the damage to be assessed but we know that right now people are relying on local charities and community organisations to survive and provide emergency supplies, support and shelter.
Young people face an uphill battle when it comes to finding and keeping a safe affordable home in Australia. Our safety nets are failing to provide security for vulnerable young people, creating traumatic cycles of homelessness, violence, and poverty. Engaging in education, training, job-readiness and employment opportunities allows young people facing homelessness to disrupt and escape this cycle.
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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