Housing, Material Aid, Healthcare + more
Shining a Light on Women’s Homelessness
The number of women and girls becoming homeless is growing. Often facing impossible decisions between homelessness or violence and poverty, women and gender diverse people increasingly have nowhere safe to turn.
Why your support is needed
Women grapple with distinct and enduring systemic challenges including the gender pay gap, an unequal burden of unpaid work, disrupted employment, domestic and family violence, economic consequences of divorce and separation, and lower superannuation balances. These, coupled with rent increases and a cost of living crisis, often contribute to experiences of insecure housing and homelessness.
10%
the increase in women and children experiencing homelessness in the last Census
45%
of women and girls seeking homelessness list domestic and family violence as the cause
80
of those turned away from specialist homelessness services are women and children
Your donations create real change
Tackling the national crisis of violence against women, the broken out of home care system, a lack of youth housing, older womens poverty, and people exiting the justice system are all needed to help fight women’s homelessness. That's why through our Monthly Collective giving program we will be funding targeted responses.
“Marriage breakdowns and domestic and family violence are forcing women from the family homes without the superannuation or financial stability to sustain ever increasing cost of living pressures. Our cottages are specially for this demographic and the option of employment allows a genuine life changing impact.” - Shelter Collective, QLD (Darumbal Country)
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Stories from programs we have recently funded
Molly and her baby were homeless and couch surfing.
Molly is 21 and has been couchsurfing with her 9 month old baby for a while. Molly had been living in Residential care since she was 12 and more recently had been living with her sister until her sister tragically suicided. WIth few networks of support, Molly sought help from a local community service. They helped Molly file a Public Housing application submission as well as attend the inspection and lease sign up when she was offered a 2 bedroom unit. StreetSmart funding meant that Molly moved into her new place with whitegoods, a bed, basic household items, and a cot – everything she needed to make a home.
Ally was studying, working, and homeless.
Ally is 18 and studying VCE. Recently, Ally had a family breakdown and was not able to remain living at home so became homeless and was couch surfing at various friend’s homes. Apart from studying full time and aiming to go to University in 2025, Ally was working 4 nights per week to support herself. A StreetSmart funded local homelessness service worked intensively with Ally, helping her secure a small one bedroom unit. Without this advocacy and targeted support along with help with the bond, rent in advance, and furniture to make the home liveable has meant Ally can focus on her future goals.
Linda is 85 and couch surfing.
Linda became homeless after her husband died and she could no longer afford the weekly rent. Linda was sleeping on her friend’s couch when she reached out for help. Without owning a computer or having the technology skills to apply for properties online a local service applied for multiple rental properties on Linda’s behalf within Linda’s affordability. Linda was eventually approved for a property following some very strong advocacy from her caseworker with a local real estate agent. Linda still uses food assistance from her local service so that she can manage to afford bills and ongoing basic expenses.
Sarah is sleeping rough with 2 children.
Sarah, an Indigenous single mother, and her two children have been homeless for months and have been sleeping rough. She is pregnant, with a baby girl due soon and has just been given access to temporary social housing. But the family has limited belongings, no furniture and no items for the baby. They need assistance with clothing, nappies and a sleep space in time for the baby’s arrival. They also need a car seat for the older child to travel to school safely.
Make change in your workplace
Corporate & Workplace Giving
“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
You can choose to nominate StreetSmart Australia as your charity of choice for workplace giving. Every month your donations will help support a range of important projects providing care and aid to vulnerable people experiencing homelessness.
Contact us via email for more information.
Donation Option
Donate Direct Bank Transfer
Donations made to StreetSmart Australia over $2 are tax deductible. StreetSmart Australia (ABN: 51 106 387 446) is endorsed by the Australian Tax Office as a deductible gift recipient under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. StreetSmart Australia is registered with the Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC).
Please send us an email of your donation, including donation amount, date, and donor name. We will send a tax deductible receipt to you.
Account name: StreetSmart Australia
Bank: NAB
BSB: 083-004
Acc Number: 17243-2803
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