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Ex-academic experienced homelessness for 10 years
A 66-year-old former academic who lost his sight and career, then slipped into homelessness for over a decade, finally had some good news in 2020. The man, who worked at universities in Australia and in the US, had no support network and spent his life savings trying to regain his vision. The Haymarket Foundation’s Rapid Response case manager navigated the…
Donate now: a Christmas gift to help end homelessness
For many people experiencing homelessness, the Haymarket Foundation provides more than a place to stay, it is the closest thing there is to family. We work around the clock, every day of the year to provide meaningful support and outcomes for people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, in Sydney. But we do try to make Christmas that little bit…
Stitching together a new future
Hendra was just 19 years old when they met their long-term partner, an older Australian man, in Indonesia. They migrated to Australia and lived in a large home in Sydney’s Drummoyne for more than 20 years. The couple travelled frequently and Hendra pursued an interest in dressmaking. Around eight years ago, Hendra was kicked out, when Hendra’s partner started a…
Looking back at 2020: how has COVID-19 affected the Haymarket Foundation?
COVID-19 has presented both significant challenges and opportunities for the Haymarket Foundation and our work with those at-risk of – or experiencing – homelessness. Increase in demand: Most of our services have experienced an increased demand, with the pandemic proving particularly difficult for some clients with mental health and drug and alcohol issues. Many tenants who were at risk of…
A double achievement
Two of the Haymarket Foundation’s own have been acknowledged for their work, with a particular focus on the challenges presented during the pandemic. Treasurer Sumithira Thavapalan was one of four winners of the Commonwealth Bank NFP Treasurers’ Awards. The awards, which carry $5000 prizemoney, were announced at the 2020 Communities in Control conference – an initiative of ourcommunity.com.au Sumithira wrote…
Behind the scenes: Christmas at the Haymarket Foundation
For many people experiencing homelessness, the Haymarket Foundation provides more than a place to stay, it is the closest thing there is to family. In a normal year, the Foundation hosts a large Christmas lunch for up to 70 people, supported by Maddocks law firm. “For around a decade, Maddocks staff have been volunteering at our facility in Chippendale and…
A winning approach
When Julian* left the Haymarket Foundation’s Bourke Street Program, not only had he abstained from alcohol and other drugs for 18 months, he had also established a new career, learnt how to budget and rediscovered a love of tennis. “I have a game with men who are much younger than me and I’m still competitive. It’s a great way to…
30 memories for 30 years: an exhibition to mark a milestone
A digital photographic exhibition has been launched to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the Haymarket Foundation’s flagship programs. The Bourke Street Program began in November 1990, housing and working intensively with five men who had alcohol and other drug issues. The home they lived in was on Bourke Street, East Sydney. Since then, the number of premises has…
Thanks for the food and love
The Haymarket Foundation is so grateful for the donation of hundreds of delicious meals over several months for people who have been self-isolating in hotel and apartment-style accommodation, due to the pandemic. “It’s nice that people are helping us by providing meals: it shows they care,” says one person experiencing homelessness. “I enjoy the variety of the food.” The collaboration…
Online help for people experiencing homelessness
The Haymarket Foundation has been using digital technology to help people experiencing homelessness access services during the pandemic. A particular need is help with drug and alcohol issues. The online service allows for increased accessibility for those with mobility issues and for those who do not have the resources or flexibility to travel. Thanks to a grant from the City…