$133,172

Total Raised for
Projects

24

Projects
Funded

YOUTH LAW LEGAL POD PROGRAM

This 18 April is Youth Homelessness Matters Day. The latest census data has shown that across Australia youth homelessness has almost doubled between 2011 – 2016. That is 27,680 people under 12-25 years of age are currently homeless and more than half of those are likely to be care leavers. For children in care state support stops as soon as they become a legal adult – leaving young people without a safety net and very vulnerable. That’s why this month we are supporting the Youth Law Legal Pod aimed specifically at helping care leavers, and adding our voice to the #MakeIt21 campaign encouraging Governments to extend care to 21 years of age.

In 2013 StreetSmart helped seed fund the Legal Pod program in QLD and it has shown incredible success. The Legal Pod provides a one-stop-shop for young people who have recently left care and are transitioning to independent living. Through mentoring and an empowerment focused support the Legal Pod team are able to help negotiate the complexities of adult life such as renting for the first time, and dealing with legal issues if they exist – such as Myki fines, private debt, and the legal barriers to moving ahead with life. Without family support overcoming these obstacles can feel impossible, which is what makes the Legal Pod such a great resource for young people ready to stand on their own two feet.

But to reach more young people, Youth Law need our support. Join our StreetFunder community, and share the message to extend support for kids leaving care with the hashtag #MakeIt21

Huge thanks to the following organisations who have supported our StreetFunder

“Our business has been supporting StreetSmart through workplace giving since 2015. Each month our team helps fund a new project and we get immediate feedback on how the money has been spent. We are really proud to be a part of such an important initiative, and our staff are too” Justine Butler, ASIC in the Community Manager

Contact Adam & Sharna to chat about how we can develop a workplace giving program that fits your organisation or choose StreetSmart on the ‘Good to Give’ platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

StreetFunded Projects

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First Nations Homelessness Project

We supported the First Nations Housing Project in March 2018, a community driven initiative in Perth, working to keep indigenous families housed. With a small boost from our StreetFunders we helped fund lawn mowing, excess rubbish removal and basic maintenance and prevent indigenous families from being evicted into homelessness. Funds provided $8,001

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Community, Country & A Safe Place To Call Home

On the 10th anniversary of the National Apology to Stolen Generations, we supported the Larrakia Nations housing outreach support. This service comprises a range of programs aimed at improving community safety, wellbeing and overcoming social exclusion, with a focus on Aboriginal homeless people and visitors to Darwin, including Youth Patrol, Night Patrol and Health and Assistance in Long-grass (HEAL). Funds provided $7,675

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Older Persons Homelessness

On any given night almost 15,000 people aged 55 and over experience homelessness. This month StreetFunders supported address this growing crisis funding two important initiatives. WAGEC will provide support when women move from crisis to permanent housing and HAAG will support older women to advocate for better services The impact of low income and rising living costs leaves many older Australians spending more than half of their income on rent, and many struggling to maintain or find an affordable tenancy. Total Funds provided $18,842

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Christmas Cheers

Christmas is a lonely and stressful time for many people, especially if you don’t have a safe place to call home. This month StreetFunders supported 5 organisations meet the extra costs of helping people at this difficult time. Christmas dinners were provided, food services kept going over the holidays, the doors stayed open to help people in crisis, and young kids had activities to keep them busy over the holidays. Heart and Soul (SA), KoolKuna DV Refuge (WA), SANDBAG (QLD), StreetHearts (NSW) and Veritas House (NSW). Total Funds provided $7,710

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Anchor Housing

StreetFunders helped address the growing and real, but often hidden, crisis of homelessness in the outer suburbs, reinstating an emergency relief fund at Anchor Housing to meet essential and critical needs. Funds provided $9,392

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Youth Homeless Services

StreetFunders SEED-FUNDED an innovative project in the Geelong and Barwon Region aimed at helping young people. The project was set up by a coalition of specialist youth homeless services; Barwon & South West Homelessness Network, after they idenified a gap in funding to support young people with eductaion and employment support. Funds provided $9,745

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Soccer Program

In August StreetFunder support went directly to Player Support and Transition at The Big Issue StreetSoccer Program, helping in very practical ways to support the player group and weekly members who are looking to take the next step. Funds provided $9,178

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Wollongong Homeless Hub

StreetFunders refurbished the Wollongong Homeless Hub outreach truck. The van heads out into the local area doing important rounds to areas without local support services - supplying clothing, basic supplies, hygiene packs, tents, swags and important connection to services and advice. Funds provided $7,333

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Action Against Hunger

The 2017 End of Financial Year camapign saw StreetFunders support the important work of three organisations CareVan, The Adelaide Day Centre Soup Van and St Mary’s House of Welcome. The focus of the support was food security, funding each organisation's food programs. Total Funds provided $27,600

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The Nest Program

StreetFunders supported Youth Futures 'NEST' program, helping vulnerable young parent’s and their babies with accommodation and long term support. It is vital that these young people are assisted and helped at this point of crisis. Funds provided $6,655

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500 Lives 500 Homes

We believe everyone has the right to a place to call home and this month StreetFunders helped a number of families transition from homelessness into housing successfully, helping them create a safe and secure place to call home. Housing first is a successful model for ending homelessness so check out 500 Lives 500 Homes. Funds provided $4,969

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Footpath Library

The Footpath Library hits the streets of Sydney to provide conversations, friendship, connect and books to people experiencing homelessness. They are a small dedicated team and this month StreetFunders helped fund the operations resulting in the distribution of around 3,000 books www.footpathlibrary.org. Funds provided $2,330

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Women’s Community Shelters

Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness and many young kids are caught up in the trauma. StreetFunders supported WCS families with back to school fund split between their Great Lakes (Regional NSW) and Sanctuary (NW Sydney) shelters. Funds provided $2,201

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Emerge Women & Children’s Support Network

Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness and many young kids are caught up in the trauma. StreetFunders supported Emerge to support families with their Back to School costs which are hard to meet when you have left everything behind to flee violence. Check them out here Funds provided $4,497

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Hawkesbury’s Helping Hands

StreetFunders helped the volunteer team at HHH to provide Christmas Dinner & important outreach services over the holiday period when other services in the area are closed. Check them out here Funds provided $1,765

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Orange Sky

Orange Sky provides free laundry and shower services across Australia. StreetFunders helped cover the on-road costs of their new shower van which was on trial in Brisbane where it proved a winner with more vans hitting the road in 2017. Check them out here Funds provided $1,636

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