REIWA Launches Hope and Home Appeal to Support Women and Children Fleeing Domestic Violence
REIWA President Suzanne Brown has proudly announced the launch of the inaugural Hope and Home Appeal, a vital initiative aimed at assisting women and children escaping family and domestic violence. This appeal is set to run from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 27, aligning with International Women's Month, and will directly benefit The Salvation Army's Graceville Women's Refuge.
Addressing a Critical Need in the Community
Family and domestic violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children across Australia. In the current challenging housing climate, many women feel trapped in dangerous situations due to the fear of becoming homeless. Services like Graceville Women's Refuge are essential, providing crisis accommodation and transitional housing to help women at this critical juncture in their lives.
The program supports women as they move from refuge into more stable medium-term accommodation, where they can begin to rebuild, heal, and plan for futures free from violence. However, operational funding for refuge services is primarily allocated to core service delivery and essential program costs, often leaving gaps in providing personal and dignity-based items that make a significant difference to survivors.
How the Hope and Home Appeal Works
Participating REIWA agencies will collect donations of personal care and essential items to support women and children who often leave violent situations with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. REIWA members, who witness the impact of the housing crisis daily, see this appeal as a practical way to make a tangible difference in the community.
The appeal seeks donations of various items, including:
- Personal care and hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, deodorant, skincare basics, disposable razors, and sanitary products.
- Essential items like new underwear, new bras, new socks, hairbrushes, hair ties, nail care items, as well as makeup basics and small self-care packs.
These donations will enable Graceville Women's Refuge to meet the immediate needs of victim survivors without diverting critical operational funding away from frontline service delivery.
Community Support and Impact
Jessica Russ, The Salvation Army Family and Domestic Violence Program Manager, has highlighted that the demand for Graceville Women's Refuge's services remains high. Community generosity plays a vital role in helping the team respond with compassion and care to those in need.
Every day, the Graceville Women's Refuge team meets women and children who have made the courageous decision to leave violence. Donations of essential and self-care items offer much more than practical support—they restore dignity, provide comfort, and remind victim survivors that their community stands beside them during difficult times.
How to Get Involved
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to join this important cause to help women and children escaping family and domestic violence. Donations can be dropped off at REIWA House located at 215 Hay Street, Subiaco. For a full list of collection points and more details, visit the official REIWA website and look for the Hope and Home Appeal article.
By contributing to this appeal, you can play a part in supporting survivors and fostering a safer, more compassionate community for all.
