Dignity was founded in 2015 and over the past ten years, the organisation has grown from one guesthouse for women and children experiencing homelessness to multiple guest homes and housing residences across 25 locations, supporting and empowering up to 400 people experiencing homelessness each night.

Two weeks ago, we hosted out first-ever Gala Dinner to mark Dignity’s 10th Anniversary and raise much-needed funds to support even more people in the future. What a night it was! We are deeply grateful to the many individuals and businesses who contributed to making the evening such a success.

Thank you to our event sponsors Endeavour Energy, Winning Group/Appliances Online, Fantastic Furniture, HSL Group, 5 Star Builders, SDJA and Happy Hair Brush. We asked our event sponsors to share why they choose to support Dignity and people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

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Thank you to those who volunteered their time including emcee extraordinaire Sarah Macdonald, videographer Rob Leggo, Photographer Rob Lloyd, Dignity Dish volunteers and Brigidine College St Ives students. And to everyone who joined us on the night, and to those who joined in from home buying raffle tickets and bidding on the auction items, thank you for your generous support of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

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Our 10th Anniversary video reflects on this journey—highlighting key moments, stories and the collective effort of our team, volunteers, partners and community who have all played a part in ending homelessness in Australia, one person at a time.

As a recipient of CCAF’s Employee Connected Grant, Dignity will provide additional support to youth experiencing homelessness with the grant funding set to lessen the burden of homelessness for families in need.

The CCAF is dedicated to creating possibilities for a brighter, more sustainable future for Australians today and generations to come. In 2020, the CCAF selected Dignity as one of its Employee Connected Grant Partners, donating $25,000 to help us make a difference where it counts, particularly during Covid-19.

Youth aged 12-18 years account for 10% of people experiencing homelessness, with a total of 10,913* youth recorded as homeless on census night in 2016. The CCAF Employee Grant will directly benefit this group with the youth of families staying in Dignity’s supported temporary accommodation provided with specific support based on their individual needs. This support will include access to technology through the provision of devices, assistance with school supplies and educational needs and transportation assistance for families when required.  

“At Dignity, empowering people experiencing homelessness is at the core of what we do and having the opportunity to tailor individual support for children of families dong it tough enables them to take back some control of their situation. Whether that is owning a device to assist with schoolwork or stay connected with friends or receiving educational support in the form of tutoring. The smiles on their faces show how grateful these kids are at such an uncertain time in their lives.”

Dignity CEO Suzanne Hopman

In addition, the CCAF Employee Grant funding will enable Dignity’s team of support staff to enhance their support skills specifically for children who have experienced trauma.