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.
Trying to shelter from a Cyclone without a home is impossible, yet thousands of people up and down the eastern seaboard have been trying to survive in that situation. It will take weeks for the full extent of the damage to be assessed but we know that right now people are relying on local charities and community organisations to survive and provide emergency supplies, support and shelter.
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.
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.
The reality is that there are very few real options for ‘youth safe’ housing in Australia and young people face uncertainty and danger when sleeping rough, in adult rooming houses and couch surfing. We’ve just distributed over $109,000 to support young people into safe housing.
Children without safe homes, living in poverty, and affected by domestic and family violence need immediate and trauma-informed care. We need to be responding to the urgent needs of children, who are often the voiceless victims of violence, homelessness and poverty. That’s why we have channeled over $100,000 into 14 grassroot services to support vulnerable children.
We have just channeled direct funding and material aid into flood impacted communities. With a focus on supporting those already experiencing homelessness and disadvantage, funds are empowering grassroot organisations to respond to their needs.
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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