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Intake Process for our homeless guests
Anyone experiencing homelessness and sleeping in a registered motor vehicle is encouraged to contact our intake number 0402 155586 Intakes are processed on:
The program provides a safe place to park at night and offers support services. Individuals are required to adhere to program rules and are allowed to park 7 nights a week. Entry into the car park is from 4pm each day and individuals need to be off-site by 10am the next day. LINK 2 Home for temporary accommodation is a service provided by NSW Housing call 1800 152 152 to find out if you are eligible for crisis support. |
Our Backyard supports men, women, families who are sleeping in their cars at night. All our guests need to be travelling in a registered motor vehicle to access the program.
All Services are given free of charge. Homelessness is a complex issue and affects over 100,000 Australians each day. There are approximately 2000 people who are homeless in the Hunter Region. And our program can support up to 10 people per night. Where possible we refer to other Specialist Homeless Services providers and encourage our guests to make contact with Department of Housing Link to Home to access emergency temporary accommodation. Persons fleeing Domestic Violence are encouraged to contact the Police if in danger on 000 or Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 |
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Our backyard car to home
Our Backyard- Car to Home Project is a designated private car park space that allows men, couples, women or families who are sleeping in their cars a place to park and sleep, in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.
Our Backyard offers access to bathroom and kitchen
facilities in the aim of making life a little easier. Support workers will assist clients to connect with service providers to access community supports and programs if that’s what is needed.
Our Backyard is privately funded through www.macquariecare.org.au a registered PBI charity with DGR status.
Every dollar donated is fully tax deductible.
Our Backyard offers access to bathroom and kitchen
facilities in the aim of making life a little easier. Support workers will assist clients to connect with service providers to access community supports and programs if that’s what is needed.
Our Backyard is privately funded through www.macquariecare.org.au a registered PBI charity with DGR status.
Every dollar donated is fully tax deductible.
Recent News
Some interesting facts about the ABS report into Homelessness with a feature on our program https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5285903/when-there-is-no-place-called-home-12-per-cent-rise-in-homelessness/
Peter Di Girolamo, Community Program Manager recently was nominated as one of the local hero's for his role working with the homeless. You can read the article here: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5164016/helping-the-homeless-with-functional-care/ On Saturday 27th July 2019 we are hosting a Night under the Stars as our major fundraiser for the year, registrations will open up in April. 
We support on average 5-10 people per night.
Since the beginning of March 2019 there has been a significant increase in the number of people needing our help. For those who are homeless and sleeping in their car, their motor vehicle is both a mode of transport and a place to dwell. Our guests tell us that that having somewhere to sleep at night without the fear of harassment is extremely helpful. We know that without sleep, mental health suffers even more. That's one of the reason's why this program has been such a help for those in crisis. A good nights sleep also helps those suffering from mental health distress. |
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Twenty Five percent of our guests transition into secure accommodation. On average one out of every four persons that seeks support from Our Backyard is able to find somewhere to live after leaving. The other 75% of guests face significant challenges around mental health, financial hurdles, physical health and unemployment.
The support of the public can make a significant difference because we can provide a safe place to sleep at night and also support with non perishable foods, warm blankets, a place to relax and have a cup of coffee and a chat. Whilst these might seem like very small things in themselves, together we can bring some dignity and significance in the lives of our most vulnerable.
The support of the public can make a significant difference because we can provide a safe place to sleep at night and also support with non perishable foods, warm blankets, a place to relax and have a cup of coffee and a chat. Whilst these might seem like very small things in themselves, together we can bring some dignity and significance in the lives of our most vulnerable.
