Not having enough to care for oneself and one’s basic needs, leads to a host of other problems when not adequately curbed and paid attention to. Other issues associated with poverty include homelessness, hunger, lack of essential clothing, amongst others.

As Australians we have always rallied together in times of hardship and in times of need. We at Australian Family Network intend to work with people who are struggling to get by and provide them with opportunities to once again stand on their two feet and contribute back to our nation.

Some facts pre COVID-19 pandemic:

• 255,657 people received support and almost seven million nights of accommodation were provided by specialist homelessness services in 2014-15.

• In the 2011 Census, 105,000 Australians were classified as homeless. This figure includes people in supported accommodation for the homeless, people in temporary accommodation; those 'sleeping rough' and people living in severely crowded dwellings (those that required 4 or more extra bedrooms to accommodate the residents).

• The above number includes 17,845 children under 10 years, 402 of whom are sleeping out.

The Australian government made available several stimulus packages for millions of Australians and helped them through the pandemic. However, these stimulus packages come to an end March 2021 and may impact individuals who are actively relying on them for survival.

At Australian Family Network, we want to provide opportunities for the disadvantaged individuals and help them navigate back to work force and help ease their concerns about the most basic of human rights: food, water, shelter, clothing, education and civil protection.