Dharma Care’s Winter Warmer campaign has made a significant difference to many people across Tweed and Byron Shire.
Our second annual fundraising campaign has now raised a total of a total of $61,707 for homelessness relief.
The Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief Campaign has made significant strides in supporting those experiencing homelessness and social isolation through the dedicated efforts of our partner organisations.
In this update, we highlight the impactful work being done at Nullum House – Murwillumbah Community Centre, Fletcher Street Cottage – Byron Bay, and Fred’s Place – Tweed Heads and Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre (PBNC). Thanks to the generous contributions of Dharma Care donors.
Murwillumbah Community Centre – Nullum House Homelessness HUB
Dharma Care’s ongoing support has been crucial for Nullum House, a vital hub offering services such as free community meals, shower and laundry facilities, material aid, and social programs. Over the past financial year, Nullum House provided 2,404 instances of support to those in need.
The funds from Dharma Care have enabled the continuation and expansion of these services, including the successful Homelessness Week event and the ongoing meals program. The impact of these efforts is evident in the increased numbers served, with over 4,000 meals and beverages provided this year alone. However, as winter deepens, the demand for warm clothing, camping resources, and connection grows, underscoring the critical need for continued support.
Fletcher Street Cottage
Fletcher Street Cottage in Byron Bay has also been a focal point of the Winter Warmer campaign. Dharma Care’s Winter Warmer donation has directly assisted 138 individuals through their Emergency Relief program, offering food vouchers, fuel expenses, phone credits, and medical cost coverage.
With a 600% increase in demand for emergency relief since 2022, Fletcher Street Cottage is now developing a dedicated Women’s Emergency Relief Program to address the unique needs of women fleeing domestic violence. The growing demand for these services highlights the urgent need for continued financial support to sustain these essential programs.
Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre (PBNC)
At PBNC, Dharma Care’s contributions have bolstered the Assisted Referral and Material Aid (ARMA) service, providing critical support to over 100 individuals and families facing financial distress and homelessness.
The funds have been used to distribute Winter Warmer Packs, fuel and grocery cards, and other essential items, ensuring that those in need have access to the basics required for survival. Through real-life stories of those helped by PBNC we see the profound impact of these services on individual’s lives.
Fred’s Place – Tweed Heads – Vinnies Australia
Fred’s continues to provide essential support to those in need, serving up to 130 meals daily, including takeaways, and distributing up to 50 food hampers, 50 frozen meals, and hygiene products to 50 people each day. Additionally, washing powder is supplied to up to 25 individuals using laundry facilities.
To further assist their clients, Fred’s has distributed $1,000 worth of $50 Coles gift cards and plans to purchase another $1,000 worth for emergencies. They have also acquired six prepaid Optus mobiles for individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring they can be contacted for housing and mental health support. Fred’s recently paid for two nights of accommodation for a couple whose campsite was flooded by heavy rains, keeping them dry during the storm. In another instance, Fred’s helped a client avoid eviction due to hoarding by arranging for a skip to remove the accumulated items, in collaboration with housing services.
Looking ahead, Fred’s plans to host a pamper afternoon for those experiencing homelessness, offering massages, facials, and women’s care packs to help them feel better about themselves.
Ongoing and Emerging Needs
As winter progresses, the need for warm clothing, shelter, and social support remains high. The challenges faced by our community members are complex and multifaceted, ranging from housing instability to mental health struggles.
With the support of Dharma Care and other donors, we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide the necessary resources and support to those most in need.
Dharma Care’s Winter Warmer campaign has already made a significant difference in the lives of many, but the journey continues.
Your ongoing support is vital in helping us meet the growing demand and ensure that no one is left behind in these challenging times.
Impact Stories from our partners.
Murwillumbah family helped back on track
J and M have been long term Murwillumbah residents. They are a young couple with two little children (2 and 3 years old) and a teenager. They were recently evicted from their rental home and came to our service for support with a food hamper. They work part time but became homeless because of the increase in cost of living and private rental costs. J and M weren’t able to secure affordable housing before they were evicted and had to couch surf before eventually ending up sleeping in their car.
We supported them with food, a tent, camping mattresses, blankets and bedding, cooking items and access to our shower and washing facilities. We also provided personal support and linked them to specialist support services to find suitable accommodation.
They finally found a place to live across the border and are still working with us to get furniture and necessities for their new home.
J has given us very positive feedback about the work we have done in supporting them and their family in this difficult situation. Not only with material support but with care, kindness and professionalism. Thank you to Dharma Care for helping us to help this family.
Breaking Free: A Survivor’s Journey from Domestic Violence to Renewed Hope
“There are no words to describe how much Fletcher Street Cottage has helped me. You fed me when I didn’t have any money to buy food. You dressed me after my clothes were destroyed by my boyfriend. He was bullying me mentally and physically and kicked me out of the house with nothing in the middle of the night.
I didn’t have any money for medicine or a doctor. You helped me get medical care through the GP at the cottage and to get access to medication.
You offered a hot shower, tea and coffee, and an excellent breakfast. The cottage is a place where I can wash and dry my clothes. But above all, you provide mental health support from good people. The staff helped me to feel that this is just a short moment in my life, that it will pass and I am not alone in this.
I can truly say that Fletcher Street Cottage saved my life, because the whole team gave me support when I felt the worst in my life and I was very vulnerable. You helped me find temporary accommodation and showed me that my life is important.
You helped me to think about my future, and realise that everything will be fine, and that I will be able to go back to my home and have a better life eventually, because I am stronger now after this experience.”
Single Dad at risk of homelessness
A single dad came into PBNC as he was experiencing financial hardship. Patrick was struggling on his Centrelink payment and had an unexpectedly large electricity bill arrive a few days earlier. He was visibly upset and said he could not see a way through. Patrick was just managing to cover rent, which had recently increased again, but with the arrival of this bill he would be unable to pay it. He was deeply distressed about being at-risk-of-homelessness as he had moved multiple times in the last few years, including a stint living in his car with his children. Patrick hadn’t eaten for several days because he had been making sure his children were able to eat. There was only provision for one meal left in their supplies, until the children too had nothing to eat.
We provided a hot meal for Patrick and then organised an EAPA appointment to cover most of the overdue electricity bill. As he said he was feeling isolated and his mental health was being impacted, we were also able to refer him to our Child, Youth and Family Support Service. We supplied food (including pantry and frozen meals to take home) for him and his children, and gave him nappies and wipes, toiletries and petfood. Petrol and grocery cards were provided so that he could get to work and stock his kitchen. After he finished the meal and a chat, he said he felt much better because of the EAPA appointment and the material aid that was supplied, he said he felt like he could cope now. He remarked how wonderful it was that Art and Play, and Toddler Tunes and Stories were free and that he would bring his children along. Patrick now attends the groups each week with his children and is doing better.
Fleeing domestic violence
A heavily pregnant young woman 27 years presented to Freds Place following a referral from another client who accesses our hub.
Our client had escaped her home in Queesnland due to domestic violence. This mum to be had relocated to the area due to her safety and was put in Temporary Accommodation to the 11th September however due to be having a baby in 2 days. Client had no physical or emotional support, babies items, or a a carseat due to fleeing violence. Unfortunately Baby Give Back Service could not provide any larger baby items only a newborn starter kit that the client did not appreciate.
Freds Place workers made some phone calls to local baby services for a car seat and were successful in getting a baby capsule from Baby Bunting along with free installation, a free baby monitor, bouncer and second hand pram with money raised from the Winter Warmer.
“I would just like to say thank you so much to Fred’s place for the assistance and all the help with my baby considering they just met me they heard my story and helped above and beyond, to make sure me and my bub are safe and I could not be more thankful and appreciative right now for everything.
They have helped my stress levels amazingly and I would be stuffed without their assistance!”
Forever grateful from me and my bub.