The past weeks have seen the need for urgent change in our response to the domestic violence crisis in Australia. At ReLove our mission is to provide immediate, practical assistance to support women who are survivors of domestic violence. You can help too.
We provide direct material help, without red tape or delay and above all, a chance to rebuild lives. Women don’t need to decide between staying with a violent partner or poverty. Our community initiative, the ReLove Free Store, has recently earned attention from major media outlets like ABC News for our immediate and practical approach to helping survivors of domestic violence.
ReLove Free Store
The ReLove Free Store is a unique model we've developed that works in collaboration with various charities across Sydney. We've created this space where women can shop for furniture for their new homes free of charge. The idea came from our desire to eliminate the need for these women to recount their trauma over and over again and to connect the enormous amount of furniture going to landfill, directly with the people who need it most.
Our work is crucial when these women secure safe housing. It's one thing to escape a violent situation, but it's another to start from scratch and turn an empty space into a home. This is where we step in. We work tirelessly to ensure that these women have everything they need to make their new house feel like a home. We typically provide around $10,000 to $15,000 worth of material aid to each woman, ranging from furniture to homeware.
Moving house is stressful at the best of times, let alone during a crisis. We make this process as stress-free as possible. Our team delivers the furniture and ensures that all the furniture is in place, beds are made, and cutlery and crockery are tucked away. We make the transition into their new homes as smooth and comfortable as possible.
The Dignity of Choice
Beyond the tangible aid we provide, our work brings joy and empowerment to these women. We believe that everyone deserves the dignity of choice. This is why we allow women to choose what they want and need for their homes. We have been fortunate to help numerous women and children. This year alone, we have supported around 20 families each week, with the majority being women directly impacted by domestic violence. Over the past three months, we have assisted over 250 families and around 260 children.
However, as we continue to do our work, we can't help but express our concern about the growing problem of domestic violence in Australia. Over 40% of the people we support are First Nations, which further highlights the severity of this issue in Sydney.
Recently, the Federal Government announced a billion dollars in funding for women leaving violent partners, with up to $5000 allocated for each individual. While this is a step in the right direction, it's important to point out that only $1500 of this can be used on furniture and homewares, and it must be spent at specific stores. This amount falls far short of what is needed to furnish a home.
Community in Action
Despite the challenges we face, we at ReLove continue our work. We rely entirely on community donations and do not receive any government support. We urge everyone to help in any way they can – by donating items, volunteering, or spreading the word about our work. The cost to set up a home for a woman is just $500, which will directly provide $10,000 to $15,000 worth of material aid. You can make a direct impact in the life of a woman and her family.
Our work at ReLove is a shining example of the power of community, heart, and connection. We are not just providing furniture or homeware; we're providing immediate economic empowerment to women and helping them reclaim their autonomy and dignity. Join us in our mission to make a difference in people’s lives. Together, we can help them begin their journey towards healing and recovery.
You Can Help Too
At ReLove our mission is to provide immediate, practical assistance to support women who are survivors of domestic violence. You can help too.
- By donating $500 you can provide $10-$15K of furniture to a family.
- By donating furniture you can help reduce landfill and help a family.
- By donating time you can provide the dignity of choice to a family.
