Imagine the entire population of North Adelaide being homeless.

That’s how many South Australians don’t have a safe place to call home.

This time last year, Grace and Robert were filling Christmas stockings for their children – today, they are homeless.

“We went from doing well at life to being homeless and temporarily sleeping on my sister-in-law’s sofa… we were lucky we had family to offer temporary refuge.”

Like an increasing number of South Australians, Grace and Robert brought their young family to WestCare to look for help. They enjoyed a nutritious meal, began to feel more relaxed and chatted with a support worker to learn more about their options. They now have temporary accommodation while we work together on finding a more permanent home.

“We feel welcome and we’re not alone. Despite everything, we can give our children a present to unwrap on Christmas Day and put some food on the table. We’ll get our own place again and we’ll look back on all this for the bad dream it is.”

Every Christmas, Baptist Care SA’s WestCare Centre opens its doors to more than 300 children and families – and the numbers are growing. 

Each child receives a gift.  Together we share good food, laughter and a sense of community.  Food parcels are available for those who would otherwise have nothing in the pantry.

Will you join us to make Christmas 2019 a time to rebuild self-esteem and find refuge from the scariness and exhaustion of wondering what’s going to happen next?

Please take a moment to read how your Christmas gift will make a real difference.