Some of the people we have helped

Our Backyard is a place to connect and start the journey out of homelessness. 

Guests can stay up to 30 nights and they receive wrap around supports along the way. We work with other local service providers, women's and men's refuges, nsw housing, community services and non government agencies for assistance.

Anyone can contact LINK 2 HOME on 1800 152 152 to see if they are eligible for crisis accommodation. 

 Typically many have been unable to afford the cost of paying rent, utilities and bills whilst on limited income. We provide our guests access to a financial counselor too.

A large proportion of those using our services are older Australians on a Newstart Allowance of around $254 per week.

Your generous support continues to make a difference in the lives of people like the ones listed below
* The names below have been changed to protect the identity of those sleeping in their cars

Katie & her son Corey 

Katie & Corey traveled from interstate to seek shelter away from family dysfunction and violence. They hired a car and found Our Backyard through the referral of other services. When leaving the program recently they left a card which read "to the people of Our Backyard your offer to assist people in need is remarkable, you are a unique service and a special group of people, it is impressive your individual service and how you all work together in achieving outcomes for us who find ourselves in these circumstances. This is a much needed and appreciated service. You all need to be reminded how great you all are, particularly as we did not expect ourselves to be in this situation..In summary unless someone finds themselves in a situation like this, it would be difficult to comprehend how much we need somewhere like Our Backyard" 

sarah 

Sarah arrived to our program on the first day we opened in 2019 after the Christmas break. Having left her housing commission home due to lots of drug taking in the area and sending her children to live with her brother for a while. Sarah remained in her car with her male partner. After a couple of weeks Sarah was able to find temporary accommodation in a women's refuge and hopes to get her life off the ground and reunited with her children in the future. 

DAVID 

David was living in a pretty bad place and had to leave for his own safety. At 65 years of age options were limited and so he found himself sleeping in his car by the side of the road till someone suggested he make contact with Our Backyard. Because of his age, David was able to be referred to an aged care service provider that helps those who are homeless. We spoke to David recently and he couldn't be more happier living in a one bedroom apartment in his own bed rather than strewn across the back seat of his small hatchback. 

James & Joan 

An older couple James & Joan were referred to our program by another local charity. They only stayed for a few days which gave them sufficient time to sort out a few things and then continue on their forward journey. Able to access a washing machine and somewhere for their dog to relax was welcome relief. James & Joan had lost everything they owned due to a fire and they have taken steps to rebuild their life. 
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Our Backyard Community connect operates every Tuesday afternoon where various services some and support our guests. Every Second week there is a representative from Centrelink who attends the program between 2pm-3pm. 

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We offer our guests free hair cuts, free WiFi, access to free food via the generosity of OzHarvest food trucks. 


And on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month we provide dinner with a three course meal to our guests and any member of the public who wants to come along and enjoy some company.