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Shining a Light on Australia's Housing Crisis and Givit's Impact on Families in Need
As we approach the festive season, many look forward to spending time with our loved ones, sharing meals, and creating cherished memories. Yet, for countless families across Australia, the Housing Crisis casts a shadow over these celebrations.
Instead of decking the halls at home, many single mums and their children are navigating the challenges of shelters and transitional housing, with soaring property prices leaving them without a place to call home.
The Beanstalk Mums Podcast recently tackled this issue in a heartfelt episode, joined by Danielle Draper, manager of Givit’s Domestic and Family Violence program. Together, they explored the challenges these families face and the incredible impact Givit is having in providing essential support.
Givit: A Bridge of Hope
For those unfamiliar, Givit is a not-for-profit organisation that connects people in need with essential items, all while maintaining a clear focus on dignity and respect. It collaborates with over 4,700 organisations across Australia, including councils, charities, and community groups, ensuring that donations are targeted to meet specific needs.
Danielle shared stories of resilience, including a mum transitioning out of a refuge who received a bed and a fridge voucher to help her establish her new home. These seemingly simple items are life-changing for families trying to rebuild their lives.
But Givit’s impact goes even deeper. The organisation’s Domestic Violence Appeal has provided over 33,000 donations worth $500,000 to people fleeing domestic violence. This includes almost 1 million items and services delivered over the past four years.
Housing Crisis: From Temporary to Permanent
The conversation highlighted a troubling trend. Housing designed for short-term use is now being relied on as a long-term solution. Many single mums and their children spend years in transitional accommodation, which often isolates them from support networks and makes it harder to provide for their children’s education and well-being.
Danielle explained how Givit addresses these challenges by connecting donors directly to families in need. Whether it’s grocery vouchers, clothing, or larger items like washing machines, Givit’s approach ensures families receive exactly what they need when they need it.
Christmas Needs: A Time for Giving
The holiday season amplifies the needs of families who are doing it tough. Requests for grocery vouchers and Christmas gifts surge, especially for tweens and teens who are often overlooked.
Danielle explained that while Givit doesn’t physically store donations, it acts as a bridge between donors and organisations. This allows flexibility in how people give—whether by posting items, dropping them off locally, or making financial contributions.
She also shared a touching story of a family who received bicycles through Givit. This gift not only brought joy but also helped a child and his stepfather bond, showing how thoughtful donations can foster healing and connection.
How You Can Help Those in Housing Crisis
If you’re feeling inspired, there are many ways to support Givit:
- Donate funds or physical items through their platform.
- Volunteer your time or skills to assist their operations.
- Spread the word to increase awareness about their mission.
One of Givit’s most significant strengths is its transparency. Donors can see exactly where their contributions are going, which motivates continued generosity and builds trust.
A Shared Mission
This episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast was a poignant reminder of the power of community. It highlighted the resilience of single mums and the importance of organisations like Givit in helping families move forward.
At a time when many of us are counting our blessings, let’s not forget those who need our help. By supporting organisations like Givit, we can bring hope to families facing unimaginable challenges.
To learn more or to get involved, visit Givit’s website. Together, we can make a real difference this Christmas—and beyond.
Links for this episode:
🌸 https://1800respect.org.au — 1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
✨ https://www.givit.org.au — Now that's the smart way to give! Donations making real and positive differences to the lives of Australians in need. Discover how a single donation, given the smart way, can change a life forever.
👯♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.
🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.
You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. Please don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!
