Homestead of Hope NSW Inc. is a Kiama based charity which was the vision of one woman who cares deeply for the disadvantaged, lonely, homeless and those who don’t fit into society. From its beginnings in 2011 we have grown and become a Registered Charity assisting people with emergency, short-term accommodation. We have journeyed with one person from taking him off the streets (sleeping rough) through an eventful two years culminating in finding him his own permanent home.
While being a Christian-based charity members are not excluded on the base of their beliefs. Prior to the pandemic, we held Quarterly Gatherings which included guests from most of the churches in Kiama for lunch, prayer and fellowship. Everyone is welcome to these Gatherings which are the highlight of the year for many of our guests. The Gatherings will resume when the Pandemic allows.
Regular activities include a weekly drop-in centre at the Scout Hall where anyone is welcome to come and be served tea, coffee and a hot, home cooked lunch free of charge. Our regular guests have come to know each other and formed friendships making the meal a time of camaraderie in a warm atmosphere. Guests are served by our members / volunteers who come from across most of the churches in Kiama; some are not affiliated with a particular church. The voluntary staff come to know our guests and have developed a good relationship of welcome and trust with them.
Weekly Mahjong is held for those who can play with lessons provided for those who wish to learn. We have Rock ‘n Roll dancing once a month in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church Hall, Kiama where again lessons are provided if desired. A small donation is requested for these activities. We also have a plant stall which has become a feature of the Wednesday markets in Kiama.
We do not receive any Government assistance and rely on donations and our own fundraising efforts which includes an annual Fashion Parade at Maci’s in Kiama to help support our work. All money raised is used to help needy people and people in crisis who come to us for support.
As we are not professionals, when necessary we direct our clients to the appropriate services as we continue to journey with them. We keep in contact where possible so we can maintain support and friendship with those we assist.
Our vision for the future is to have a place of our own where we can accommodate needy women, particularly over 55 year old women with short to medium term accommodation as they re-establish themselves and move on to being independent.
Women over fifty five are the growing demographic for homelessness.
Our aim is to establish emergency relief accommodation South of Wollongong to Nowra for those less fortunate; a shelter for the homeless; give assistance for a needy family in difficult circumstances whether through loss of employment, sickness or victims of natural disaster; to welcome Indigenous refugees and people with a disability, giving assistance where possible.
We encourage the support of Kiama Council, service clubs, businesses, churches and the community to assist with these projects.
