Impact Stories
For many Haven Home Safe clients and residents the festive season can bring financial and emotional stress or amplify feelings of loneliness. Thanks to our generous supporters, partners and donors we have been able to spread some joy this year. Thank you to everyone who has helped make the festive season a little brighter for all our clients, residents and communities. Many of these organisations show up repeatedly each year and their support and generosity are greatly appreciated.
Haven Home Safe celebrated ten years of Sidney Myer Haven, a transformative housing and support programme changing lives in Bendigo. Community leaders, supporters and staff reflected on its impact, including former resident Michelle who shared her powerful story of rebuilding her life. Funds raised will help ensure the programme continues its vital work.
We continue to invest in supporting and empowering residents through our tailored placemaking framework as we can see the impact of residents connecting with each other and their wider communities.
Modular construction delivers many benefits including reduced waste and a reduced carbon footprint.
Maree Edwards MP toured our Bendigo West housing development—eight secure homes for women and children escaping family violence. In partnership with Homes Victoria and Annie North, this community-centred project offers support, safety, and a fresh start, empowering renters to rebuild and thrive.
Laughter and joy have returned to Haven Home Safe’s Sidney Myer Haven playground thanks to generous donations from the Kangaroo Flat Rotary Club, Lisa Chesters MP and a grant from the City of Greater Bendigo.
When Alice* was referred to the Exit Pathways Program (EPP) she was living in a women's refuge with her young child and newborn baby. She had escaped a 13 year-long environment of family violence.
Following relationship breakdowns and declining health Susan found herself in a poor financial situation, after having to leave work. She experienced homelessness for several years. Through support from Haven Home Safe Susan is now happy, established and housed in her own home.
Former Sidney Myer Haven resident Shannon generously shared his story with ABC Central Victoria breakfast radio station.
Listen to hear how Shannon found himself experiencing homelessness, how he felt during this time and how he found the Sidney Myer Haven program.
Shannon shared the impact this program had on his life “Sidney Myer Haven doesn’t just change lives, it saves lives” he says.
First Nations peoples must have access to a system which is responsive to their housing needs and understands their connection to land, culture and family networks.
The partnership aims to take positive steps towards self-determination for local Aboriginal people as well as providing a foundation to advocate for greater funding in the region moving forward.
We know that housing provides the foundation for people to address other aspects of their life which may be contributing to their experience of homelessness. That’s why we’re strong advocates for the Victorian Government’s investment in the From Homelessness to a Home program (H2H).