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Homelessness in the spotlight
Some bright news: Haymarket Foundation Gowan Vyse (centre) with colleagues (l-r) Belma Torres from the B Miles Women’s Foundation, Jon Swain from the City of Sydney, Shane Jakupec from Neami National and Sarah Casserly from the B Miles Women’s Foundation. Homelessness has had some welcome attention. At the National Homelessness Conference in Canberra, the Minister for Housing and Homelessness the…
Phil’s Diner
The Haymarket Foundation’s kitchen – otherwise known as Phil’s Diner – would not be the same without our chef of 17 years, Phil Mitchell. He is the man behind the hearty roasts, warming casseroles and delicious chicken schnitzels. Phil is dedicated to bringing good food to people experiencing homelessness who stay at our crisis accommodation facility in Chippendale. “Residents generally…
Thank you and COVID (again)
The Haymarket Foundation’s CEO Gowan Vyse (centre) with staff. Since I started as CEO last month, I’ve been made to feel so welcome: thank you! Here at the Haymarket Foundation, we try to make people experiencing homelessness also feel like they are valued and part of something. That’s why I am writing to thank you for your incredible generosity to…
Looking at homelessness from both sides of the tracks
I’m a proud staff member and supporter of the Haymarket Foundation. I am passionate about this work because I see myself in the eyes of the residents. You see, not so long ago, I was walking in their shoes. As a young person, I was bullied for being queer and ended up using drugs, then sleeping on trains because I…
Free glasses and eye checks
The Haymarket Foundation’s medical practice has done ‘pop-up’ eye checks for people experiencing homelessness. Over 25 eye examinations were carried out, including at the surgery on-site in Chippendale. While Australians are entitled to free eye checks under Medicare, non-residents – including refugees – are not. The Haymarket Foundation fundraises to support people equitably, including non-residents such as *Cyril, who is…
11 years in limbo
After almost 11 years, Deo Nuyu, a refugee from Burundi, still remains in limbo. What does remain constant is his home of four years – the Haymarket Foundation’s crisis accommodation in Chippendale. “The Haymarket Foundation changed my life,” he says. “It’s been positive. While I still have problems, at least I know I have food and a place to stay.”…
A warm welcome to our new CEO
The Haymarket Foundation is pleased to announce Gowan Vyse as the incoming CEO. Gowan has a wealth of experience in community development and in the public service, most recently as Manager, Social Policy and Programs at the City of Sydney, where she oversaw programs supporting people experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum seekers, international students, LGBTIQ communities, First Nations people and people with…
A place for rest and recreation
Visits from a therapy dog, along with art classes are part of an ongoing activity program for people experiencing homelessness at The Haymarket Foundation. Puppy love: We are pleased to welcome Delta Therapy Dogs back to The Haymarket Foundation! Volunteer Michelle and her therapy dog Honey are making regular visits to our crisis accommodation in Chippendale, to spend time with…
A bright space to rebuild lives
The centrepiece of the Haymarket Foundation’s crisis accommodation in Chippendale has been given a fresh look, thanks to the help of volunteers. The large loungeroom, in the heritage-listed building, has been given a lick of paint, making it a more therapeutic space for people experiencing homelessness. The work was carried out during Volunteer Week. “My father died of COVID earlier…
‘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….