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Deano, dignity, and having a laugh in the Bourke Street Program
The Bourke Street Program is a service that supports up to 19 men at a time in planning the next steps of their lives post-rehabilitation. Dean Southgate (Deano), one of the staff leading the program, remembers a recent moment on a walking tour through the city. Participants came across a piano in the Queen Victoria Building. Despite not a lick…
Meet Mel and Liam
For the people who work in homelessness, there’s always a tricky balance that sits in the back of their minds – how do I manage crisis situations, health emergencies, and the complexity of the housing, health, mental health, and social support systems, whilst still being a friendly face for residents to feel comfortable around? For colleagues at the Haymarket Foundation,…
Haymarket’s hero
“Nothing is more motivating than being part of a worthwhile cause” – Valda Allen It’s a rare thing for a person to come out of retirement and take on the challenge of leading an organisation through accreditation, but for Valda Allen, it was an easy decision to join the team at the Haymarket Foundation over 15 years ago. Valda grew…
Freddy’s story: From Homelessness to a Life Beyond Dreams
Freddy*, once struggling with homelessness and alcoholism, is now thriving in the third stage of The Haymarket Foundation’s Bourke Street Program as a Senior Member, mentoring newcomers and showing what’s possible with dedication and support. After spending nearly five years sleeping rough and struggling with harm related to alcohol use, Freddy’s journey through the program has been transformative. “I never…
Music therapy lifting spirits at Haymarket
It’s amazing what the power of music can do, even when you’re at your lowest. A buzz fills the air of Sydney’s Haymarket Foundation as the sound of raucous drums and thrashing guitar spills out into the courtyard. In a word? It sounds like fun. The musicians? Residents of the Foundation’s homelessness service taking part in a music therapy session….
LGBTI+ Sydney needs homelessness support
Experiencing homelessness in Sydney is challenging for anyone, but for Sydney’s LGBTI+ communities an extra layer applies to every decision you make for your safety and security. Research shows that LGBTI+ people in Australia are twice as likely to experience homelessness due to a mix of factors like family rejection, violence and discrimination. When seeking support from medical services, Centrelink,…
Creating a sustainable garden
Some residents at the Haymarket Foundation’s crisis accommodation facility are digging into a new hobby! Several residents have been involved informally in gardening over the last year – and now we have had some support to help to co-create a sustainable garden. The Haymarket Foundation has won a grant through the City of Sydney – and will work with residents,…
2023 Annual Report
We’re pleased to share our most recent annual report, with thanks to everyone who makes The Haymarket Foundation function day in and day out. The work we do would not be possible without the kind and generous support of our donors and funders. Those named in the report and many more who give anonymously each year. It has been 50…
Congratulations To Valda, The Sydney Westfield Local Hero Winner!
I am excited to announce Valda won the Sydney Westfield Local Hero! The foundation will receive $20,000 to go directly to supporting our clients experiencing homelessness. Congratulations Valda, an honour well deserved! I attended the Sydney Westfield Local Hero event for the announcement of the winner. To our great delight Valda won! Thankyou to all our supporters for voting, every…
Vote for Valda to win $20,000 for our homeless clients
Please vote for our Quality Coordinator, Valda Allen, in Westfield Local Heroes! Click Here To Vote Now If Valda wins the most votes, we will receive a $20,000 to go directly to supporting our clients experiencing complex homelessness. Valda Allen works tirelessly behind the scenes to help provide support for homeless people in the Sydney CBD. Valda came out of…