Family Refuge

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While it is difficult to determine the true number of homeless children, families have become the fastest growing group facing homeless in Australia.

Families with children now comprise approximately one third of the nation’s homeless population.

On any night in Australia almost 100,000 men, women and children are homeless. Almost half of these are younger than 25 years of age. Not surprisingly, these children often experience a lack of stability in their home life, which can effect their education. They may experience violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues and poverty.

San Miguel Family Centre in North Richmond, New South Wales, provides short-term accommodation for families experiencing homelessness. San Miguel is one of the only refuges in Australia that supports large family groups, including fathers and adult males.

BoysTown provides more than temporary, emergency accommodation; we offer support, counselling and guidance to help families tackle the issues creating their homelessness. Our staff work with the families to develop their life skills such as parenting, family relationships, budgeting, cooking and communication. The children receive support from child development workers and are enrolled in the local schools.

The need for accommodation far exceeds our ability to respond - during the year we were unable to assist 150 families who were referred to BoysTown.

San Miguel receives funding from the New South Wales Government for five units, BoysTown funds the remaining seven units.