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‘Saving the world one can of baked beans at a time’
When people became homeless due to the floods, Vic knew how it felt not having a roof over your head. He became homeless at the height of his drug use, in-between periods of incarceration for theft. He became drug-free in his late 50s and got support through the Haymarket Foundation. Now the 71-year-old helps others get back on their feet….
A nurse with a big heart and commitment
Photo caption: The Haymarket Foundation medical practice’s nurse, Joana Atienza When Joana Atienza moved to Australia from the Philippines eight years ago, she never thought she would find herself working as a nurse again. “I was burnt out – I had been working with the poorest of the poor in rural areas in the north of the country and knew…
A good bed for a restful night’s sleep
When people come to the Haymarket Foundation’s crisis accommodation facility in Chippendale, they are usually grateful for a roof over their heads. Now their stay is more comfortable, with new mattresses in the bedrooms. “It means a lot to have these new mattresses,” says Johnathan, who slept rough before coming to the Haymarket Foundation. “They are comfortable, for a good…
A no-nonsense attitude, with a side-order of humour
A warm and considered approach: Quality Coordinator Valda Allen (left) with Acting CEO Gabi De Knock By Acting CEO Gabi De Knock When I first joined the Haymarket Foundation, like everyone, I was given an induction by Valda Allen. Compliance and safety were key – but her efficiency, diligence, warmth and courtesy were obvious. This was before vaccinations were available,…
Our best performance yet
A proud day: (l-r) Quality Coordinator Valda Allen, Team leader Dinsel Davies, Case Manager Rory Jackson and Operations Manager Gabi De Knock The Haymarket Foundation has been commended for its response to the pandemic in its most recent assessment by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS). Every four years, a full assessment is carried out on all health service…
Thanks to our outgoing CEO
From the Chairman, the Hon. Kevin Rozzoli It is with both sadness and gratitude that I announce Peter Valpiani’s departure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Haymarket Foundation, effective 20 May 2022. Since 2017, Peter has played a critical role in the transformation of the Foundation into an innovative, sustainable organisation. During his time, Peter led the organisation through…
Navigating a life in the homelessness services sector
Hello! I’m Camilla Williams, the new manager of Homelessness Services here at the Haymarket Foundation. Growing up around Darlinghurst in the 1990s, I met a lot of amazing people who were experiencing homelessness. I learnt that homelessness can happen to anyone. There was one guy, Harry, who became a friend. I really valued our friendship and loved hearing all his…
Our award-winning medical practice
The Haymarket Foundation is proud to serve people at-risk or experiencing homelessness in Sydney – and to win an award is an added bonus. The team behind the Haymarket Foundation’s medical practice has won a national award for its work. During an online gala presentation for the HESTA Impact Awards, the staff took out the team innovation category. The award…
A lasting legacy for people experiencing homelessness
A reclusive and frugal GP, the late Dr Dianne Houghton, has quietly made a lasting difference to Sydney’s homeless community. Dr Houghton, who worked for much of her life at Laurieton, near Port Macquarie and occasionally attended Christ Church St Laurence, near Central Station, left a multi-million dollar bequest when she died in 2018. She established a charitable Trust in…
Omicron: how homelessness services are faring
Frontline workers have been under extra stress during the festive season, with many working extra shifts as colleagues test positive, or are forced into self-isolation. This comes as many residents in the Haymarket Foundation’s crisis accommodation facility were also affected by Omicron, despite increased infection control. Those residents have now recovered and returned to the refuge in Sydney’s Chippendale. “We…