For many people, the holiday period is a time for celebration and relaxation with family. For others, it can mean stress, hardship and increased financial pressure, especially for families and households that are already doing it tough.
YWCA Canberra supports families to access and sustain secure, affordable and independent housing. We are also actively working to expand the ways in which we respond to the lack of housing affordability in the ACT through our advocacy work.
In 2016, our Housing Support Unit has helped 175 people, many of whom are women, children and young people.
We help people in the ACT to access housing, providing practical information to help them get back on track, and linking them with social support services to avoid becoming homeless.
The 2016 Holiday Hampers Appeal provided essential items to make life a little brighter for these families and their children, and many others in Canberra raising an incredible $10,182 in financial and in-kind donations. Hampers were full of children’s toys, school supplies, festive food items, gift vouchers, toiletries and pampering products.
We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of so many Canberrans during the appeal. On behalf of YWCA Canberra, thank you for all of your support!