Mission Australia launches new ‘Steps For Safe Homes’ fundraising challenge
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Mission Australia has launched a community fundraising campaign, ‘Steps For Safe Homes’, to raise funds to support the growing number of people and families facing homelessness.
During National Homelessness Week, Mission Australia will ask individuals, community groups, and workplaces to take on a personal challenge and complete 122,000 steps to support the 122,000 people across the country without a safe place to call home1.
Steps can be taken on a walk with friends or colleagues, at the gym, running errands, or on the way to work between Sunday, 6 August, and Sunday, 13 August inclusive.
Funds raised will support the growing number of people and families facing homelessness.
The escalating cost of living, lack of affordable rentals, and impact of domestic and family violence contribute to Australia's housing and homelessness crisis.
Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister says, “In my role, I see people receiving the support they need to break the cycle of homelessness. For some, it’s food hampers or furniture they desperately need.
“For others, it is ongoing counselling and support to help find emergency accommodation or financial support to help keep kids in school.
“I get to see first-hand how our services can make a tangible change in the lives of people who need it most.
“That's why I'm walking towards the finish line with participants and supporters this National Homelessness Week. I'm excited to see what we can achieve through this challenge together.”
The funds raised by the ‘Steps For Safe Homes’ campaign will go towards helping people like single-parent Roger* and his daughter Lisa*.
Mission Australia placed them in temporary accommodation and helped them secure basic furniture, bedding, and a fridge. Case workers supported the family with supplies and ongoing assistance while Roger found work and helped them to secure a long-term, safe home.
Through the generous support of participants, Mission Australia can help people like Lisa and Roger and other vulnerable people and families facing homelessness.
Register at stepsforsafehomes.com.au, and ask family and friends to support your challenge by making a tax-deductible donation to back your efforts.
The team can provide support and tips to help you prepare before the challenge officially begins on Sunday, 6 August.
*Names and images have been changed to protect the identities of the people Mission Australia helped.
1ABS (2021) Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness
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