Lighthouse for the Community is a grassroots charity on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, helping people facing domestic violence, homelessness, addiction and crisis. Our mission is to offer a hand up and not a hand out - providing practical long term support that empowers families to break free from trauma and to rebuild their lives. We provide case management, food, essentials, advocacy, support groups and pathways to safe housing and employment—walking alongside women, men and families. Currently we operate out of a small rented centre where two dedicated staff members provide case management support (though the need for more staff is growing). We also rent a seperate space that houses a small hair salon - a stepping stone for our qualified hairdressers to launch their own business. WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP? It takes $150,000/year to keep Lighthouse running: - Case managers and support staff - Rent, insurance, vehicles, supplies - Food vouchers, essentials and outreach events We operate efficiently and are deeply rooted in the local community, guided by lived experience. However, sustainable funding is essential for us to continue. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF LAUNCHING TWO NEW INITIATIVES: 1. HOUSED TO MOVE FORWARD & LIGHTHOUSE WHEELS ON THE MOVE: Support to enter into emergency transitional accommodation provides safe, immediate shelter for those escaping crisis. It bridges the gap between homelessness and stable housing. Purchasing a van is also essential, as renting one has become costly, to transport clients’ and their belongings to shelters, appointments, affordable housing, or storage. 2. LIGHTHOUSE CAFE ON THE GROUND & LIGHTHOUSE CAFE ON THE MOVE: A community café partnered with local businesses providing barista training and hands-on work experience, empowering clients through case-managed employment to achieve financial independence. We are grateful to have received a mobile coffee cart for Lighthouse Café on the Move but require funding to fully upgrade and outfit it before it can hit the road. To launch these initiatives, we are seeking community funding support. Grants are limited, slow and often unsuccessful. In addition to covering Lighthouse for the Community’s ongoing operating costs, we need to raise funds for our 2025–26 forecast to scale practical, high-impact solutions: 1. HOUSED TO MOVE FORWARD & LIGHTHOUSE WHEELS ON THE MOVE: $75,000/year 2. LIGHTHOUSE CAFE ON THE GROUND: $115,000/year 3. LIGHTHOUSE CAFE ON THE MOVE: $3,000 setup + $400/year TOTAL GOAL: $343,400/year | $686,800 over 2 years HOW CAN YOU HELP? Donate today. Your gift creates immediate, local impact. Every dollar goes directly to crisis support, safe housing, and recovery services for families in need. All donations are tax-deductible before 30 June 2025. Your support keeps the doors open—and changes lives. We cannot do this without you. For more details visit -https://www.lighthouseforcommunity.org.au/