Homelessness and Accommodation

We offer accommodation services at all levels of need including crisis accommodation, transitional housing and help to find a way into the rental market. Bonnie’s will do all we can to help you move on to a more settled life.

Crisis accommodation

We have two crisis accommodation properties providing safe housing for up to four families at each. Accommodation is available for a maximum of 3 months and during their stay, women will be assisted to find longer-term housing alternatives.

Transitional housing

We are a Community Housing Provider (CHP) and manage transitional housing for families. This is a temporary option giving tenants the opportunity to live independently with support, while preparing to move into more permanent accommodation, such as private rental or social or public housing, if eligible.

Often it can be very difficult to imagine a way through personal circumstances to safe, affordable housing in Sydney. Bonnie’s will do all we can to help you move onto a more settled life.

“Housing is so much more than just a roof. It’s a place for us to grow stronger in.”

— Client

FAQs

Am I eligible?

We assist women with children, who have experienced domestic or family violence and/or who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. When arriving at Bonnie’s, women will be assigned a Family Worker to support their immediate health, safety and welfare needs and are required to agree to, and abide by, the Rights and Responsibilities for crisis accommodation.

What’s it like to stay at Bonnie’s?

Each family has its own private bedroom. Residents share the kitchen, laundry and other common areas and we work together to create a supportive atmosphere. Respect for each other and care for the common spaces is essential, as it is for any shared living situation. Confidentiality around other residents and the accommodation’s location is required for the safety and security of everyone.

Will my kids like it?

We want children to feel safe, happy and involved with life in their new temporary home. The children’s playrooms are bright and welcoming with toys and books, and outdoor playgrounds. Families will be assessed to ensure it is safe for them to share the property with other residents.

How long can I stay?

Accommodation is initially for 3 months. At the end of this time, the lease is reviewed. Women may then be offered another 3-month lease if they require more support before moving to a private rental market or social housing. The maximum length of stay in transitional housing is 12 months. The housing options range from 2-bedroom to 4-bedroom units, townhouses and houses. We have 20 transitional properties. All leases are in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. Women will be assisted to find furniture and white goods for the house when they move in if that is required. Our Tenancy Workers can help with any questions or issues around your lease.

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate pets. We will try to help you by suggesting alternatives to look after your pets in the meantime.

What will life look like at Bonnie’s?

For many women, their stay at Bonnie’s will be their first experience of crisis accommodation. What will life be like in this new environment? What happens day to day?

It might be useful to think of us as both a safe haven and a launching pad. If you are escaping domestic violence or homelessness, Bonnie’s is a safe haven. And as you get stronger and prepare to move on with your life independently, Bonnie’s is your launching pad.

We try to make you and your children feel at home as much as possible. When you arrive, a staff member will welcome you and assess your needs to make sure we are the best place for you to stay. You will learn everything you will need to know to settle in and we will tell you about your rights and responsibilities.

Your room will be ready for you with bedding and linen. If you have left your home quickly, we help with essentials including clothing, food and bathroom items. Children coming to Bonnie’s are given a Bonnie’s backpack with pyjamas, socks, books and fun things to play with.

Over the next 48 hours, you will meet your caseworker and other residents in the house. This is the beginning of our journey together to find out exactly what you and your children need and how we can best support you.

You may have come from a very chaotic situation and there are immediate things that need to be done to keep you safe and in a position to take control of your situation. Your Family Worker will have assisted you to identify your immediate needs and created a case plan for you to review and agree to.

Your first weeks with us are often very busy. It’s a time when you will achieve small goals that may have seemed impossible before. Perhaps changing ID’s, visiting Centrelink, Medicare, your bank, the RTA or a legal service. You might be enrolling your children into a new school, seeing a doctor, counsellor or psychologist. You will be helped with referrals to the best services for you; given assistance with directions and transport. A Bonnie’s staff member is available, if necessary, for court, medical appointments etc.

When the most pressing issues around safety, finances, school and health are sorted, you will be ready to begin other activities and participate in the local community. Your caseworker will link you to groups and community.

During the day, you and the children can visit our offices anytime to speak with your caseworker or another staff member and we have a 24 hour on-call system so you can always reach us with any concerns. We are able to access interpreters at all times.

Contact us

Bonnie’s 02 9729 0939
24/7 Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
Link2home for accommodation 1800 152 152