“In all the years, I’d never had someone stand up for me. But Maddie had my back. She never gave up on me.” ~ Sarah*, mum of two
For more than 17 years, Sarah* lived in an unsafe home with her two children. Her ex took her money so she couldn’t afford to leave. Every time she asked for help, she was let down.
So, when she was encouraged to contact Wesley Mission, she had almost no faith left. But for her children’s sake, she tried.
That’s how she met Maddie, her Wesley Mission caseworker. When a housing official said there was too much red tape to help, Maddie stepped up:
“No. This family cannot stay here another day! You’re not leaving until we sort something out.”
Maddie found the family emergency accommodation, then kept going. She worked with housing and support services and stayed by Sarah’s side until the family had a permanent, fully furnished home.
“Absolutely everything has changed now! I feel safe to leave my door open.”
45%
of women and children experiencing homelessness is due to domestic violence.
122,000+
Australians are estimated to be homeless this Christmas.
73%
of people seeking support for homelessness are women and children.
This Christmas, other families are still waiting for someone to stand up for them. How your gift helps.
Last year, Wesley Mission provided 121,024 nights of crisis and transitional housing to families in need. This Christmas, your gift can help provide more:
$75
can help deliver clothes and bedding to a family forced to flee their home.
$250
can help connect a family with emergency accommodation so they don't have to live out on the street.
$650
can support a caseworker to walk alongside a person like Sarah, liaising with homelessness services and advocating for them at every turn.
$2000
can help provide safe and secure accommodations to a person escaping violence.