THREE AWESOME CHARITIES TACKLING HOMELESSNESS

Around 16,000 people considered homeless across Australia – and that number is on the rise. Nearly half of the homeless population is under the age of 25. These three charities are providing support, solutions and solidarity.

Words: Matilda Meikle

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Homelessness has many definitions, from living in severely crowded dwellings to supported accommodation or “sleeping rough” on the street. With such high rates, many charities are hoping to support Australians in need. Now is the perfect time to come together as a community and donate to one of these incredible charities.

Lighthouse Foundation For Youth

Based in Victoria, Lighthouse provides support to young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. So far, the organisation has helped more than 1,000 young people find their feet, and secure a bright future. Lighthouse support includes building therapeutic homes where young people can receive 24/7 support and care, as well as offering education programs for carers and families, so they can learn how to best support vulnerable youth.

A donation of $15 can help provide fresh groceries and essential supplies for a Lighthouse home; $50 can provide a welcome backpack (toiletries, socks, underwear and a teddy bear) for a new young person moving into a home; while $100 can provide counselling and group therapy to help young people process the trauma of homelessness.

“We’re seeing the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness numbers and we fear more young people will need help,” says Lighthouse CEO Eamonn McCarthy.

With the rising number of homeless youth, Lighthouse Foundation for Youth has increased its efforts, and is making a major difference in the lives of so many.

Streetsmart

Since 2003, Streetsmart has provided more than 290,000 meals and supported over 1,000 organisations seeking to end homelessness in Australia. It was formed on the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and the knowledge that while there are lots of amazing charities trying to end homelessness, many don’t have the resources to provide for the growing number of homeless people around the country. To combat this, Streetsmart raises money to fund these smaller organisations, ensuring they can continue their valuable work.

The result is a network of incredible organisations supported by Streetsmart, so relief can reach all corners of the country.

Streetsmart also provides other services, such as delivering readymade meals to those in need.And for the past three years it has also been delivering Sleepsafe kits, which include a towel, sheet and pillowcase, to those experiencing homelessnes. This provides them with some basic comforts many of us take for granted.

Share The Dignity

Share the Dignity is a women’s charity supporting women experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence by distributing period products, which are often overlooked in relief support, and can be difficult to obtain. Through collection drives and campaigns, Share the Dignity has been able to deliver over 3.4 million pads and tampons, ensuring everyone has access to sanitary essentials. Period care can be vital, and the orgnanisation works tirelessly to distribute these items to women across the country.

Share the Dignity also run the ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign every Christmas. Each year, Australians are asked to compile bags of essential items and treats to donate to those in need.

Thanks to these bags, women doing it tough over Christmas are equipped with sanitary and luxury items to brighten their days. If you’re not sure what to include, there’s no need to worry: Share the Dignity will also provide a shopping list so you can be sure you’re providing exactly what these women need. By donating, you can help anyone from a mother to a teen receive essential care.