Mission Australia's Winter Appeal

Donate to help support vulnerable Australians this Winter

It’s difficult to imagine how unbearable life would have to become for someone to choose homelessness as the safer option over remaining at home.

This was the position 33-year-old Heather* and her eight-year-old son Lucas found themselves in last winter during another drunken rage by Heather’s husband Chris.

Heather and Lucas had actually fled a number of times before, but each time turned back. Heather felt sorry for Chris and didn’t want to break up her family.

But this time was different. In that moment, she made the brave decision to leave. She’d been meeting with a domestic violence specialist from Mission Australia, and together they’d developed a safety plan for when they were ever in danger again. Heather and Lucas jumped in the car and took off.

Heather met with her Mission Australia case worker Fiona the following day, who arranged for them to stay in a safe house out of town. After years of fear, they could finally breathe. During their time at the safe house, Fiona helped them apply for, and secure, housing. Mission Australia helped them move in and supplied furniture and other items they needed to get started in their new home. Heather recently started a new job, and Lucas has settled in at school. Heather knows they owe their newfound safety and independence to generous supporters like you.

With your support, individuals and families who have been forced into homelessness can get the help they need to regain their independence – or grasp it for the first time.

“Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

- Luke 3:11