The Sebastian Foundation // Creating Safe Places

The Sebastian Foundation is one of the key drivers promoting change and legislative reform within the sphere of homelessness caused by domestic violence, illness or disadvantage.

Homeless shelters within New South Wales run based on their legacy; many shelters are nothing more than large, old houses that have been left to the state. These properties are not set up to appropriately provide support to several women and their families.

Recently state legislation has been amended and what is seemingly a positive change for the best has left many women seeking refuge vulnerable. Families who have escaped a home filled with violence or emotional abuse, and have developed a fear of men, may be forced to share their space with individuals who have issues of their own.The Sebastian Foundation is working with SOS Women’s Services to deliver a state initiative that would see the development of four large shelters that form the base of a core-and-cluster model. Transforming the shelter into a central hub, with ‘granny flat’ style accommodation allowing women escaping domestic violence and others seeking shelter from homelessness, addiction or other troubles the ability to maintain their personal space. By structuring the shelter in this way, it allows for the creation of safe and private places for recovery and rehabilitation. Further this allows women to stay with their children, to develop more autonomy while living in the shelter environment and better prepare them for their next step towards a life free from violence.

Bohemian Traders are proud to support The Sebastian Foundation each year. We believe that family values are the basis of strength within our community.

To read more about the work of The Sebastian Foundation head back to the BT Journal.