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.
Rough sleeping is dangerous, traumatic, and often life-threatening. In July and August, the StreetSmart community focused on raising funds and awareness to support people sleeping rough, funding programs that care for their immediate needs and help to end their experience of homelessness.
Our Winter Appeal, throughout May and June, was launched to respond to the rising numbers of people experiencing homelessness who are facing dangerous and difficult living conditions Thanks to our donor community, along with corporate and philanthropic supporters who took part, our collective efforts have resulted in $236,250 in grants to provide warm food, clothing, material aid, and housing support. Additionally, $313,984 in SleepSafe kits were distributed through our partnership with Sheridan to those facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
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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