A charity with a different perspective

Dignity is a charity that looks at homelessness a little differently than most. We believe we can collaboratively end homelessness in Australia, and our ultimate aim is to do just that. We can’t get this result by providing aid or just helping people who are homeless. Instead, we need to empower people who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. That’s what we do.

Dignity is a not for profit organisation and public company limited by guarantee, registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission with Deductible Gift Recipient Status.

Empowering people experiencing homelessness

By keeping people, families and community at the heart of everything we do, and providing essential services, such as a safe place, nourishing food and fresh clothes, we walk alongside people on their journey back “home”.

Restoring dignity is a critical step in empowering people experiencing homelessness.

We understand that homelessness can happen to anyone. And we provide the support that’s needed to help people who are in crisis to focus on getting their lives back on track.

Dignity: Changing the way we view homelessness

People aren’t “homeless people”, they’re people like you and me who are experiencing homelessness.
Homes are beautiful, warm and inviting.
People thrive in homes, not houses or shelters.
Every person, family and situation is different: a cookie-cutter approach won’t work.
Once people have a home, the right support will help them find hope, regain control and find a way out of homelessness.

A diverse team with one mission

Dignity is a diverse team of people who are all determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

Some of us are trained support workers, others are home cooks with a purpose or corporate volunteers wanting to give back. All of us are working towards a common goal: to end homelessness in Australia.

Our leaders are highly-experienced and motivated professionals who answer to a Board of Directors and independent advisory board.

Join the team

Meet our Ambassador and the Boards

Professor Shirley Randell AO, PhD, Hon.DLitt

Professor Shirley Randell is an award-winning global mentor, trainer, author, public speaker, company director, change activist, and campaigner for human rights for women and girls. She has been an Ambassador for Dignity since 2017 and is a strong advocate for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Shirley currently serves on several boards and is Patron and Ambassador of many women’s organisations. She has provided specialist technical assistance to governments and agencies in the Asia Pacific Region and in Africa over the last 20 years as a leading expert in public sector and institutional reform, teacher education, gender mainstreaming and human rights in developing countries. Shirley was one of Australia’s 100 Inaugural Women of Influence in 2012 and one of The International Alliance for Women’s 100 World of Difference Awardees in 2013. She is a Distinguished Alumna of the University of Canberra, 2001 and the University of New England Armidale, 2013.

Suzanne Hopman – Director
Nicole May – Director
Julie-Anne Morgan – Director
Kieron Ritchard – Director / Chairperson

Tara Laybutt – Compliance, Audit and Risk
Ben Ford – Business Development
Jane Quinn – Networks Development, Fundraising and Creative
Kieron Ritchard – Leadership, Strategy & Business Management

Why we do what we do

We started this charity because homelessness is not okay. I could no longer be a spectator, standing by and watching the injustice of homelessness.

Every day, I now watch as our services breathe hope into people who need it and our people walk alongside our guests to find a solution that’s right for them. We help restore dignity and save lives every day. I’m so happy about that.

I’m inspired by those people who are moving beyond homelessness. We don’t do it for them. We support and empower people to do it for themselves, relying on an innovative, agile approach and an evidence-based intervention model.

– Suzanne Hopman, CEO and cofounder

Our Awards

We are so honoured to have been recognised by so many for all the work that we do supporting vulnerable people in our communities. These Awards are a credit to the amazing Dignity team and our wonderful hard working volunteers.

Click on the button below to watch the 2019 Telstra Australian Social Change Maker Award winner video.

Watch the video