Some of the people we have helped

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

 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

Jamie & Karen  

Jamie & Karen were travelling from Melbourne to Queensland and got stuck in Newcastle where they visited the local Centrelink office. The staff then referred the couple to Our Backyard where they stayed for a couple of nights till they got back on their feet. One of the local charities provided Jamie & Karen with some petrol vouchers and they then continued on their forward jouney. Jamie & Karen were grateful for the food that they were able to access without having to pay for is and the free WIFI meant they could continue to stay in touch with family and essential services. 

Kylie 

Kylie left a volatile home life living in a toxic environment and decided it was safer sleeping in the back of her car than staying at home. Kylie was referred to us from one of the local charities when she sought some help with clothing and petrol vouchers. Within a week, Kylie was able to secure a room in one of the women's refuges and was being assisted by a case manager who would help her to navigate back into the rental market. Whilst on site Kylie was able to wash some clothes, enjoy the company of others in a similar situation and feel safer at night. 

Simon & Laura 

As a result of losing his job Simon was no longer able to afford to pay rent and his partner Laura because of a mental health issue was not working at the time. With their combined Newstart allowance and pension still not enough to pay rent, cover the costs of electricity and water, put food on the table and petrol in their car, they sadly became homeless. All too often this is a slow spiral for many people just like Simon & Laura where expenses far out weigh income. Eventually after four weeks they were able to find accommodation in a caravan park and have secured a long term lease. 

Graham

As a result of a family breakdown, Graham who is in his mid 50's decided to move out of his home and find refuge sleeping in his car at night. Graham stumbled across our program when talking to others at the Soul Cafe in Newcastle. He was able to sleep safe at night and have access to warm blankets, dry towels and mens toiletries. After a period of three weeks Graham found a granny flat where rent was affordable on Newstart and Rent Assistance. 
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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. 

Everyone is welcome to join us. 

We also have a community fridge/freezer which is a resource for those who have little in their own home to access anytime of the day and those who want to donate food can drop off as well. Enquiries regarding the community fridge/freezer can be directed to Peter on 0402 1555 86 

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. 

Our next dinners are on: Tuesday 3th & 17th December 2019 at Macquarie Hall, on the site of Macquarie Life Church, Corner Macquarie & Wentworth Roads Cardiff from 5pm-7pm.