Working closely with corporate partners has enabled 9 grants totalling $41,750 to fund homelessness responses and housing outcomes across Australia. Thanks to these partnerships, 31 households are being supported to exit out of homelessness into safe and sustainable homes, and 170 people facing and experiencing homelessness are gaining access to immediate and ongoing support.
The rising demand and falling funding for ‘on the ground’ and small community organisations is a perfect storm that is limiting the ability of these vital programs to remain open for people in need. Our generous donors and dedicated monthly supporters throughout October along with a philanthropic partnership have delivered crucial funding to 19 organisations across Australia. This $89,150 is filling funding gaps for these organisations to empower communities to better respond to and prevent homelessness in ways that work for them.
Our work does not happen in a vacuum, and it is through the commitment and generosity of businesses, organisations, and individuals that we are able to take meaningful action against homelessness. As 2023 draws to a close we are celebrating the powerful partnerships with corporates, businesses, and organisations that have allowed us to respond to the growing need in communities.
The current drivers of homelessness are affecting people differently. Regardless of the cause or type of homelessness, we are seeing demand rise across the board. As the year draws to a close we are raising awareness about the ways in which housing, rental and cost of living pressures are pushing people into homelessness and housing precarity. With so many types of support needed, we invite our community to learn more and direct their support where they choose. Funds raised will help create safe new homes with all the essentials, feed people and families going hungry and skipping meals, and care for those with furry friends who are sleeping rough or without a stable home.
Join us in collectively raising funds and awareness for small grassroots homelessness organisations to keep their doors open and their services running. They are the lifeblood of communities and the first port of call for the growing numbers of people and families facing homelessness.
As the cold winter months took hold and made life increasingly dangerous and difficult for people sleeping rough, we have directed $110,500 to deliver a range of critical care responses to those who had no where else to go but the street, a car, a tent. Our generous donors and dedicated monthly supporters throughout July and August along with a philanthropic partnership have delivered crucial funding to 15 organisations across Australia.
Recently we’ve had some passionate young people taking the lead in their school communities to talk about homelessness, break down stigma, and raise much needed funds for their local services. Our Schools for Change program helps to connect studnets, staff and schools to the topic of homelessness through creative, flexible, and evidence based activities and resources.
Our annual CafeSmart campaign is a mere 2 weeks away and with hundreds of Cafe’s across the country getting ready to don their windows in yellow and start fundraising, we reflect on the power of this community led fundraiser in creating real change for people at risk or experiencing homelessness.
It’s been 4 years since the inception of SleepSafe and although it’s growth and reach has expanded since, the belief in and commitment to providing practical support, care, and dignity to those in crisis has not. At it’s heart, SleepSafe helps Australian’s facing homelessness and hardship to feel worthy, safe, and cared for. Having distributed over 108,000 kits (and counting) we reflect on what it means to have a safe night sleep, and how sleep kits help bring comfort to those in crisis.
Our recent Winter Appeal raised funds to help vulnerable Australians experiencing homelessness, poverty and rental stress. Thanks to those donors, supporters, corporates and philanthropists who took part in the appeal – your collective efforts have meant $180,000 in housing support and food relief for those facing homelessness.