Thanks to your support, this year we have delivered 43 x Homes in Boxes to help people who have experienced long term homelessness set up their new, permanent home. Within the last week, we have delivered four Homes in Boxes and an additional three kid’s boxes. Recipients included a young dad and his two children and a mum with her toddler son.
Setting up a home when you have spent a long time homeless can be a daunting experience. Starting with nothing and trying to make a house a home when you are living on a tight budget in unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming. Having few possessions can make it difficult to settle in to your new surroundings and lay down roots. Second-hand or worn out products can reinforce feelings of poor self-worth.
Home in a Box was developed to help people who have experienced chronic homelessness settle in to their new home. Home in a Box consists of two large boxes, bursting with high quality, brand new sheets, pillows, towels, cookware, cutlery, a dinner set, toaster and kettle and more. With Home in a Box, a person can spend their first night at home in a warm bed with fluffy pillows, shower and dry off with cosy towels, and enjoy a cup of tea and toast in the morning.
Since 2013, we have delivered 162 Homes in Boxes to help people make their new house a home. The workers who deliver Home in a Box to their clients often tell us of the difference it makes to people’s lives.
“I’m just going to visit him now. The look on his face when he walked into his new place was priceless. He said that he has never had new towels or kitchen goods and was totally wrapt with everything. He is being taught how to prepare basic meals and the kitchen equipment has been fantastic.”
“He was absolutely overjoyed at receiving the items. He could not believe how many items were included and that they were brand new. He asked me to pass on his gratitude. He said that he does not know what he would do without everything from Home in a Box.”
“I so appreciate the help that you are able to provide. It’s nice to know that when you move someone into a new flat that they will have at least a pillow and blanket for the first night and a kettle and toaster for breakfast the next morning! It makes a huge difference to that first night’s experience.”
Recent recipients include:
- A 19 year old woman who had lived in shelters and refuges for two years
- A woman in her 30’s who has overcome many challenges in her life and is now living in her own home for the first time in 10 years.
- A 20 year old man who was sleeping rough for many years
- A grandmother, her daughter and grandchildren had all been homeless for 12 months or more and are now in safe, permanent housing
If you would like to make a donation towards our Home in a Box project, please call our office on 02 9911 7390 and we will process your donation and ensure it goes towards funding additional Homes in Boxes.
Home in a Box would not be possible without the support of many donors and sponsors. Special thanks to MyHouse, Kennards Self Storage, Maxwell & Williams, Hospitality Products, HC Distributors and the Sisters of Mercy North Sydney for their generous support.
