Everyone should have a fair go, but the impacts of poverty are pushing people into homelessness, hunger, and economic and social disadvantage. Poverty limits the choices and capacity to secure a job, find a stable home, and gain empowerment…and it’s a growing pressure on millions of Australians.
Back in August, a record-breaking 823 cafes, 51 roasters, and thousands of coffee lovers came together to take action against homelessness in their communities. A massive thank you to everyone who got involved and contributed to the CafeSmart pot. We are now busy collecting, mapping, and distributing donations to support local homelessness services, with recipient announcements coming in the following months. But as we close out another amazing year, we’re giving a huge shoutout to our incredible coffee community for making it all possible!
We’ve just distributed $161,000 in funding to give care and support to those facing hidden homelessness. The homelessness crisis gripping Australia is mostly hidden from us, with the majority of people without a safe place to call home going unseen, slipping under the radar.
Over the past 15 years, a $2.2 million movement has been building within the coffee and cafe industry. And it’s helping tackle homelessness. Founder of the CafeSmart campaign that is run annually by StreetSmart Australia, Adam Robinson reflects on a decade and a half of impact, good coffee, and social change.
Housing ends homelessness. It’s a fundamental human right and the foundation of a happy, stable, and productive life. Yet right now, thousands are struggling to even get a foot in the door, turned away from services and facing a never-ending cycle of homelessness.
Thousands have been displaced by Cyclone Alfred and the associated severe weather and remain disconnected, traumatised, and grappling with how to find their way forward. Those already disadvantaged and on the margins, facing homelessness are relying on community-led emergency relief to access basic essentials. We’ve been able to plug the funding gaps for 4 grassroots organisations on the ground with $10,000 in grants, and distribute over $28,400 in material aid.
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.
The Homelessness crisis gripping Australia is often hidden, and the majority of people without a safe place to call home often go unseen.
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.
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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