As of November 2019 we have supported 108 people who have been homelessIntake 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
On Wednesday 20th November 2019, Peter Di Girolamo was asked to share Our Backyard at awesomenewcastle.org/ and pitching an idea of a brand new washing machine and dryer. Although Peter was not successful as the winning idea, two members of the public donated the $1000 to purchase the electrical appliance.
Also in November the highest number of homeless people staying on site for one night was 11 people on Monday 18th November 2019. With the recent NSW bushfires and closure of national parks there has been a greater need for safer places to park at night. 
We support on average 5-10 people per night.
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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37% of our guests in 2019 have transitioned into secure accommodation. Another 53% have moved on and there whereabouts are unknown. Guests with a higher proportion to find secure, stable and safer accommodation have typically engaged with other services like financial counselling and case management of referral partners. Some of our referral partners are: HopeStreet Baptist Care Wallsend, Money Care Salvation Army Hamilton, Survivors R Us in Cardiff, Nova Women's & Children's refuge, Carries Place, Alirra House, Matthew Talbot Hostel and St Vinnies Conference Cardiff.
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.
