In these challenging times, marked by escalating cost-of-living pressures and a pervasive housing crisis, the need for support has never been more urgent.
By standing with us, you are sending a powerful message of solidarity and support to women who often feel marginalised or forgotten.
Your generosity will make a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable women in our community.
– Jen Park, Uniting WA Co-CEO
Kayla’s story
Back in November of 2023, Uniting WA launched The Together Program, a first-of-its-kind collaborative service that keeps mums and babies together when the mothers are sleeping rough. A month later we welcomed Kayla, our first mum, and her baby Zaidyn into the program. We asked Kayla about the experience.
“It was amazing first walking into the apartment. My own little space with my son.”
Read more…
Kayla is a people-person, so she’s really excited to have new mums moving in. She’s looking forward to going on walks with the other mums and watching their babies grow together.
Kayla thanked us for giving her “a chance to be a mother.”
Being able to keep these mums and their babies together is not only heart-warming but critical to babies’ development. But there’s still so much to do and we need your support.
Nikki’s story
Nikki has been coming to Uniting WA’s Moorditj Yorga – Together Walking program since 2021.
The program, now in its 14th year, offers practical workshops and therapeutic sessions to support First Nations women who have experienced or are experiencing family domestic violence.
“When I come to the group, I feel seen and heard and connected with the community and women in similar situations.”
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Did you know that 1 in 4 Australian women experience or have experienced family and domestic violence?
“I’ve gained a lot of strength from being in the company of the other women in the group. I’ve had the chance to build strong relationships that I’ve always kind of struggled with.”
Nikki told me how she got the opportunity to study Noongar language. She has used her new skills to help us name some rooms of our Wyn Carr House project, the transitional accommodation for older women experiencing or at risk of homelessness.“I’ve gained a lot more wisdom and insight into myself and the situations that I’ve been in over the years. It’s given me confidence to make my own decisions.”
In the past year Moorditj Yorga has delivered more than 150 group sessions to First Nations women and in April we had our first ever healing retreat to give a chance for the women to grow and build new friendships.
Rosemary’s story
Rosemary had come from an abusive upbringing before meeting the love of her life, John. The two of them were a vivacious pair and the
true definition of soul mates but, a few years ago, John became unwell, and they ended up sleeping rough as they struggled to make ends meet.
Not long after, John sadly passed away and Rosemary found herself in a situation no one
should have to face—sleeping on the streets of Perth at 52.
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“It’s scary, there’s lots that happens so you have to be alert, you have to protect yourself.”
She had her safe spaces but still had to endure cold winter nights and stolen possessions,
including letters of experiences she had written for her husband since his passing.
“My letters were scattered everywhere, that shattered my heart.”
Did you know that 4,389 women experience homelessness every night in WA.
Older women are among the fastest growing cohorts of people experiencing homelessness.
After 2 years on the streets, Rosemary was introduced to Tranby Engagement Hub, our crisis
support centre for people experiencing homelessness, where she quickly became a role model
to the younger people coming in.
“When I got in there, it was like everyone was family. The staff
touched my heart, they made me feel safe and listened to.”
Rosemary was then connected to our Homeless Accommodation Support Service (HASS) and
received her first transitional housing while she and the team waited for a more permanent
solution. It was important to Rosemary that she lived close to John’s resting place.
I’m pleased to report that in January 2024, Rosemary was finally allocated a permanent home.
“I can lock the house up. Its peaceful and beautiful and I feel so relaxed.”
Rosemary now has a puppy named Bully who reminds her of a dog she and John used to have together.
We shared with Rosemary about our plans for our Wyn Carr House project, a transitional accommodation designed for older women.
She gave us some important things to consider…
“When you get to a certain age, like when your kids are gone and, you’re not married up, you feel so alone so it’s got to feel like family, it’s got to feel like loving. It’s all about the love and the safety.”
Your support this winter can help us provide essential services and critical support to the most vulnerable West Australians. Make a measurable impact today.
If you would like to donate over the phone, call us on 9220 1222.