Cancer made homelessness so much harder
Grant* had his own business, but his income dropped when he was diagnosed with cancer and had to start treatment.
It was all so worrying. As a single parent to Chloe,* aged three, it was up to him to provide for her and give her a good life. But when he fell behind on rent payments, Grant couldn’t even give Chloe the home and security he wanted for her. He decided to move them away from the city, hoping rents would be cheaper elsewhere.
Like too many families in Australia today, they were just one bad break away from homelessness.
There were no affordable homes in regional areas either
A friend let Grant and Chloe pitch a tent on his property. It was only meant to be for a while – just until Grant found a proper home. But there just wasn’t anything that Grant could afford. In fact, there was hardly anything available at all.
It took so much energy to keep Chloe clean and well cared for from a tent. Grant told her it was a game and that he’d find them a proper home soon. He’d paused his cancer treatment. What would happen to Chloe if he died?
Grant knew they needed help.
It felt like hope.
When Grant reached out for help, he immediately felt the kindness and care of the Mission Australia community. There was no judgement – just practical support and a case worker who promised he’d find them somewhere better than their tent. A few weeks later, Grant and Chloe had a solid roof over their heads, and Grant was able to start treatment again.
When the case worker visited with a birthday cake for Chloe, it felt like hope.
This is what a safety net of care looks like. It’s what you can help do for another family by donating to Mission Australia here now.
Donate generously – there’s a family that needs a safe home
Homelessness facts
1 ABS (2021) Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness
2Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023) Specialist homelessness services annual report 2022–23
What Mission Australia is doing to help
The cost of homelessness is simply unacceptable in a country like ours, but we can all do something about it.
Your generosity can provide families who are doing it tough, the safety and stability of ‘home’.
Support for families
Circumstances shouldn’t define a person’s future. Your donation gives struggling families the opportunity for a brighter future. Providing immediate support like living essentials, and ongoing long-term solutions like counselling to help heal the trauma of homelessness.
Boost supply of affordable housing
There are simply not enough of the right type of homes that people can afford anymore. You’re helping Mission Australia build, buy, and manage suitable properties - and make sure people are supported to stay in them.
Homelessness prevention
Every Australian deserves a safe and secure home, but we can’t end homelessness without your help. We know that family violence and mental health are key contributors to homelessness. With your support, Mission Australia is increasing work in these and other root causes of homelessness.
Our promise to you
Mission Australia has been helping people move towards independence, and our commitment to this vital work has never been stronger.
Thanks to your support, together we helped 149,096 people in 2023 by combatting homelessness, assisting disadvantaged families and children, addressing mental health issues, fighting substance dependencies, and much more.
In 2023, 91% of our income went straight back into delivering services that assisted vulnerable Australians.
We appreciate every donation we receive and ensure that each dollar goes where it is needed most.