THOUSANDS of Australian families and children have lost their homes because of domestic violence or another crisis.
They're frightened, desperate and sleeping wherever they can - often in places that are unsafe or unliveable.
With nowhere else to turn, these people need life-changing support.
That's where Mission Australia comes in.
The organisation's services aim to help people secure jobs, receive an education, find housing and develop important life skills.
Early intervention and prevention is at the heart of its work.
The range of services provided includes homelessness and social housing support; alcohol, drugs and dependencies support; mental wellbeing and disability support; employment, skills and training; youth services; families and children's services.
Case study:
When Amy's partner became violent, she knew she had to escape for the sake of her three children aged three to nine.
With no job or family to turn to, it was a terrifying step.
She fled with her children to a cramped one-bedroom unit. But when that was sold, Amy and her young family had no choice but to sleep in their car.
They were eating packet food and washing in the toilet block in a nearby park.
Amy felt trapped and hopeless. With barely enough money for food, she didn't know how she would ever give her children a proper home or the future they deserved.
Mission Australia was able to give Amy and her children a place to call home and the support they needed to get back on their feet.
You can help Mission Australia change people's lives for the better by calling 1800-888-868, www.missionaustralia.com.au/helpthiswinter
