In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, the housing crisis is no longer something that happens to “someone else.” More and more families, many holding down jobs, raising kids, doing everything right, are finding themselves one unexpected setback away from losing everything.
Whether it’s the loss of a job, a rent increase, or a health emergency, the path to homelessness can be shockingly fast. This was the case for Lyndsay*, a new mum whose life turned upside down just days after giving birth. Her story is a powerful reminder of why your support for Jewish House matters this End of Financial Year.
Lyndsay’s Story
Giving birth to your first child should be a time of joy. A time of celebration, bonding, and looking forward to the future. But for Lyndsay, that joy was short-lived.
Before she had even left the hospital with her newborn son Josh, she was told by her employer that she was “no longer needed.” Just like that, her family’s only steady income vanished, at the very moment they needed it most.
Lyndsay and her partner Mick applied for government maternity support, but with no wages to cover rent while they waited, Lyndsay, her partner Mick, and their baby Josh were evicted from their home of ten years. Lyndsay was holding her newborn baby and wondering where her family would sleep that night. The future that once seemed stable was suddenly filled with fear and uncertainty.
“I was completely overwhelmed. I’d just had a baby, lost my job, and we were about to lose our home. I remember thinking, how are we supposed to survive this? Where do you even go with a newborn when you have nothing?” said Lyndsay.
Within just three months, this ordinary family went from getting by to the brink of homelessness. This is the reality that far too many families in our Eastern Suburbs community are facing right now.
Even more heartbreaking still, Lyndsay and Mick were told that most crisis services wouldn’t be able to accommodate a couple with a baby. They were terrified they’d be split up, each sent to a different shelter, while their child’s safety hung in the balance.
That’s when someone referred them to Jewish House.
A Safe Place. A Family Welcome.
From the moment Lyndsay’s family walked through our doors, everything changed.
“Everyone bent over backwards. As soon as we’d done the paperwork, they took us to a lovely, clean unit and let us settle in. It was such a huge relief,” Lyndsay remembered.
At Jewish House, the family found more than shelter. They found wraparound support, including social workers, mental health professionals, legal and financial guidance, and most importantly, a place where they could stay together. A place where they were welcomed, not judged.
“We aren’t Jewish, so I wasn’t sure if they could even help us,” Lyndsay shared. “But from the moment we arrived, we were treated like family. They helped us without question, with food, nappies, baby clothes, and best of all, accommodation where we could all stay together.”
This is the heart of Jewish House. Compassion without condition. Support without stigma. A community where mishpachah, our extended family, includes everyone in need, no matter their faith or background.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Even after they moved out, they stayed connected to Jewish House, visiting often, volunteering to help other families, and even celebrating Josh’s first birthday with us.
“The people at Jewish House are still a huge source of strength and support,” Lyndsay says. “We don’t have family in Sydney, so that’s what they’ve become. Our family.”
Why Your Support Matters This EOFY
Right now, in our Eastern Suburbs community, more and more families are facing the same terrifying uncertainty Lyndsay once did. With the housing crisis worsening and the cost of living climbing higher each month, we are seeing record numbers of people seeking help. Many for the first time.
And while Jewish House is offering more beds and services than ever before, we’re still at full capacity. Our team is stretched. Our resources are thin. And we never want to have to say no to someone in crisis.
That’s why your support this End of Financial Year is so crucial. A tax-deductible donation before June 30 can help us provide:
- Emergency shelter for families, women, and men at risk
- On-site mental health care from registered professionals
- Practical aid like food, baby supplies, toiletries, and clothing
- Legal and financial support to help people regain stability
- Pathways to permanent housing and a real future
The Gift of Mishpachah
Lyndsay’s story could have ended in crisis, with her family torn apart by homelessness. But thanks to the care and generosity of our community, her story is one of hope, healing, and second chances.
Your donation today could offer another family that same chance. It could keep a newborn safe, a couple together, and a future intact. If you can, please give before June 30 and help us keep our mishpachah strong.
