The immediate impact of this rental and cost-of-living crisis is that more people are experiencing homelessness and housing stress, seeking assistance from already stretched community services. Our community partners are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of renters who cannot access or afford housing in the open market, or have been evicted. People have little choice but to move into inadequate or unsafe marginal housing such as rooming houses, emergency motels and caravans. That’s why $80,000 worth of grants has been directed to helping people into affordable appropriate housing, or maintain a successful tenancy, and to reach, assist and care for people in poor housing situations.
The situation for thousands of people including low-income families, young people receiving Youth Allowance, people living below the poverty line on JobSeeker, and women and children fleeing domestic violence is desperate. The cost of living and rental crisis are placing people in financial stress, as they struggle to feed their families, keep a roof over their head, or access safe accommodation after losing their home. This winter, join us and our supporters in responding to the needs of our most vulnerable community members who are seeking a safe place to call home.
Last month the ABS released the 2021 Census data estimating homelessness in Australia. The national data gives a snapshot, a point-in-time picture, of those who are experiencing homelessness and living in marginal housing. It offers a helpful overview of who is experiencing homelessness and where they are staying – for example 56% are women and children and 2 in 5 people are in overcrowded dwellings. But in many ways, the Census only shows us the tip of the iceberg.
SleepSafe has grown into a national material aid program providing free, high-quality linen and towels to over 550 frontline homelessness services across Australia, distributing over 84,400 kits and counting! But behind these numbers, are teams of people working to support their local community in need, from the Sheridan store staff advocating and raising funds for SleepSafe, to the staff at community organisations handing over kits to vulnerable people they are supporting. Recently, several SleepSafe partners visited their local fundraising Sheridan store to share stories of impact and meet some of the faces behind the program.
Family violence, relationship breakdowns and the soaring cost of living are placing more young people at risk of homelessness, while our housing crisis makes it increasingly difficult for homeless youth to find a safe and secure home. At-risk and vulnerable youth are increasingly falling through the gaps and being turned away from support services. This April we are supporting Youth Homelessness Maters Day (YHMD) and raising funds to support youth facing homelessness into safe and stable housing, breaking the cycle of disadvantage.
In December, restaurants and diners alike rallied around DineSmart to support disadvantaged people into life-changing programs. We know that already disadvantaged groups, including at-risk youth, migrants and refugees, and older women have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID pandemic and continue to experience barriers to employment. To respond to the ongoing challenges our recent DineSmart campaign has raised funds to target support to smaller, local organisations that provide vital job training, readiness and pathways programs to vulnerable groups in our communities.
While StreetSmart has been engaging with schools for years, our new program Schools for Change, has recently launched as an exciting offering to school communities across Australia. The program incorporates free, age-appropriate educational resources like curriculum aligned lessons with fundraising support to engage and empower school communities.
Thanks to our community of public, corporate, and philanthropic supporters, our End of Year appeal has generated $67,000 for grassroots homelessness services.Through 13 grants, this funding is ensuring that vulnerable people are supported with all parts of a safe and secure home, from a roof over their heads, to food for their children, or financial help to keep paying bills. Communities across Australia are grappling with a cost of living crisis as rents, food, and basic essentials become increasingly difficult to afford, straining community support services as more people seek help.
TipJar has kicked off 2023 with several grants totalling $14,600 that are helping to create and sustain hospitality job training opportunities for vulnerable and at-risk people. Public donors and corporate contributions have made these grants possible. These programs are helping change the story for people who face barriers to employment and financial security.
For a nation of pet lovers, Australia is not actually very pet friendly if you are trying to flee domestic violence or trying to secure a crisis or permanent accommodation. Unfortunately it is common for those who are experiencing homelessness or leaving a domestic violence situation are unable to access safe and secure accommodation with their pets. This means they often are forced to stay in unsafe situations or sleep on the streets to remain with their companion. That’s why during March 2023 we are raising funds for outreach vet services (like food, vaccinations, flea treatment) and emergency accommodation for pets so their owners can stay somewhere safe.