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Stories

Stories of resilience and hope from wayss 
 

On our social media platforms we share information about family violence, homelessness, and the uplifting stories of individuals we’ve supported on their journey. These stories highlight the urgent issues of family violence, housing insecurity, and homelessness in the southeast region of Victoria.  

By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, along with community advocates and social workers, we strive to raise awareness and deepen understanding of these critical topics. We invite you to join us in exploring these compelling narratives and discover how we’re working to make a difference.  

Watch the stories below. 

Dandenong and Casey are home to 14% of Victoria’s total homeless population. Our region is being hit hard, and support services are under immense pressure. We can’t solve a statewide crisis without local solutions. We need investment and collaboration now. At wayss, we help people across Melbourne’s Southeast find safety, stability and support - because everyone deserves a place to call home. #HomelessnessWeek2025
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Dandenong and Casey are home to 14% of Victoria’s total homeless population. Our region is...

“We’re not just talking about numbers, we’re talking about people. Housing is the foundation for safety, wellbeing and dignity. Without it, everything else falls away.” — Shari McPhail, General Manager, Homelessness and Housing, wayss Let’s stop managing the crisis and start fixing it. This Homelessness Week, the message is clear: #HomelessnessActionNow.
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“We’re not just talking about numbers, we’re talking about people. Housing is the foundation for...

Homelessness services are overwhelmed. 🔹Over 53,000 people were turned away last year due to lack of capacity 🔹Another 70,000+ miss out entirely 🔹83% of services can’t answer all calls 🔹Nearly 40% have had to shut their doors at times This system is at breaking point. #HomelessnessActionNow
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Homelessness services are overwhelmed. 🔹Over 53,000 people were turned away last year due to lack...

280,000 people accessed homelessness services last year. 🔹6 in 10 were women 🔹1 in 3 were single parents 🔹Nearly 16,000 were women over 55 🔹39% had experienced family violence These are the faces behind the crisis. Real people. Real lives. We can’t wait for change - we need #HomelessnessActionNow.
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280,000 people accessed homelessness services last year. 🔹6 in 10 were women 🔹1 in 3...

At wayss, Christmas in July came with something extra special this year - the unveiling of our refreshed organisational values. Over the past month, our teams have come together through a series of workshops to reflect, connect and re-strengthen what we stand for. With the help of live illustrator @sallymazak , we captured those conversations and insights in a vibrant piece of graphic recording that brings our values to life through visual thinking. Our renewed values are: 💛 Compassionate 🧡 Courageous 💙 Thoughtful They reflect not just who we are, but who we continue to strive to be - for each other, and for the people and communities we support every day. A big thank you to Sally for her incredible work, and to our team for bringing such energy and honesty to this process.
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At wayss, Christmas in July came with something extra special this year - the unveiling...

Affordable rentals across Melbourne’s Southeast have dropped by 50–70% since 2020. At the same time, more than 15,000 additional social and affordable homes are urgently needed. This Homelessness Week, we’re calling for #HomelessnessActionNow. The housing crisis isn’t slowing down and our response can’t either. At wayss, we help people across Melbourne’s Southeast find safety, stability and support - because everyone deserves a place to call home. #HomelessnessWeek2025
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Affordable rentals across Melbourne’s Southeast have dropped by 50–70% since 2020. At the same time,...

NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to come together to learn about, celebrate, and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At wayss, we acknowledge the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour their ongoing connection to Country - coastlines, rivers and wetlands cared for over more than 65,000 years. We also recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are overrepresented among those facing family violence and homelessness. We're committed to listening, learning, and walking alongside communities to help create safer futures. This NAIDOC Week, we’re encouraging learning and reflection about the rich history and vibrant future of Boonwurrung Country. Throughout the week, we’re sharing daily facts, trivia, and guidance on how to respectfully deliver an Acknowledgement of Country - from the heart. We're also offering specially designed Acknowledgement cards for desks and laptops, featuring artwork by Kamilaroi artist Katie Bugden. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land. 🖤💛❤️
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NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to come together to learn about, celebrate,...

Navigating Melbourne’s winter chill can feel like a challenge. As temperatures drop and frost sets in, many of us find comfort in cosy pyjamas, woolly socks, and thick blankets. But not everyone has access to these simple luxuries, which is why we have gratefully received donations of pyjamas in the past. These items can brighten the day of people facing family violence and homelessness. We’re calling on anyone who can to donate new or newly made, unworn items: - Blankets - Wool / warm winter socks - Pyjamas (from kids' sizes to adult plus sizes) These small comforts bring more than just warmth – they provide dignity and reassurance to those doing it tough this winter. Donations can be dropped off at the reception of our Dandenong site. Every piece counts. For more details, send us a PM.
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Navigating Melbourne’s winter chill can feel like a challenge. As temperatures drop and frost sets...

This week we welcomed @windanadrugandalcoholrecovery's SECADA team, who provide person-centred services to people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues. They’re now working alongside us at our Dandenong site. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families in need across our communities. By working together, we’re combining our strengths to provide more effective services for those who need it most.
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This week we welcomed @windanadrugandalcoholrecovery's SECADA team, who provide person-centred services to people experiencing alcohol...

Wayss
Wayss️ 3 days ago

Imagine not having any of the items that make your house a home. This can be the reality after long-term homelessness or family violence. Thanks to the generosity of Mirvac Residential, some of the families that wayss are supporting will now have access to essential household items – from beds and bedding to dinnerware, kettles and toasters. This donation means that when families take the next step towards safety and stability, they can also begin to rebuild a sense of comfort, dignity and belonging.

Imagine not having any of the items that make your house a home. This can be the reality after long-term homelessness or family violence. Thanks to the generosity of Mirvac Residential, some of the families that wayss are supporting will now have access to essential household items – from beds and bedding to dinnerware, kettles and toasters. This donation means that when families take the next step towards safety and stability, they can also begin to rebuild a sense of comfort, dignity and belonging.
2
Wayss
Wayss️ 2 weeks ago

When community steps up, lives find stability. Alapont Developments have donated a brand-new home to wayss, giving a family in need a place to live. We’re pleased to see this story shared in the media, shining a light on both the generosity of Alapont Developments and the very real need for safe housing in our region. In Greater Dandenong, homelessness rose by 21% this winter. With the region having the highest rate of homelessness in Victoria last year, contributions like this are not just generous, they are life changing. To Alapont Developments: thank you. Your generosity goes beyond bricks - it offers security, dignity and a pathway to stability. Find out more:

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Wayss
Wayss️ 1 month ago

Dandenong and Casey are home to 14% of Victoria’s total homeless population. Our region is being hit hard, and support services are under immense pressure. We can’t solve a statewide crisis without local solutions. We need investment and collaboration now. At wayss, we help people across Melbourne’s Southeast find safety, stability and support - because everyone deserves a place to call home. #HomelessnessWeek2025

Dandenong and Casey are home to 14% of Victoria’s total homeless population. Our region is being hit hard, and support services are under immense pressure. We can’t solve a statewide crisis without local solutions. We need investment and collaboration now. At wayss, we help people across Melbourne’s Southeast find safety, stability and support - because everyone deserves a place to call home. #HomelessnessWeek2025
6
Wayss
Wayss️ 1 month ago

“We’re not just talking about numbers, we’re talking about people. Housing is the foundation for safety, wellbeing and dignity. Without it, everything else falls away.” — Shari McPhail, General Manager, Homelessness and Housing, wayss Let’s stop managing the crisis and start fixing it. This Homelessness Week, the message is clear: #HomelessnessActionNow.

“We’re not just talking about numbers, we’re talking about people. Housing is the foundation for safety, wellbeing and dignity. Without it, everything else falls away.” — Shari McPhail, General Manager, Homelessness and Housing, wayss Let’s stop managing the crisis and start fixing it. This Homelessness Week, the message is clear: #HomelessnessActionNow.
2
Wayss
Wayss️ 1 month ago

Homelessness services are overwhelmed. 🔹Over 53,000 people were turned away last year due to lack of capacity 🔹Another 70,000+ miss out entirely 🔹83% of services can’t answer all calls 🔹Nearly 40% have had to shut their doors at times This system is at breaking point. #HomelessnessActionNow

Homelessness services are overwhelmed. 🔹Over 53,000 people were turned away last year due to lack of capacity 🔹Another 70,000+ miss out entirely 🔹83% of services can’t answer all calls 🔹Nearly 40% have had to shut their doors at times This system is at breaking point. #HomelessnessActionNow
5
Wayss
Wayss️ 1 month ago

280,000 people accessed homelessness services last year. 🔹6 in 10 were women 🔹1 in 3 were single parents 🔹Nearly 16,000 were women over 55 🔹39% had experienced family violence These are the faces behind the crisis. Real people. Real lives. We can’t wait for change - we need #HomelessnessActionNow.

280,000 people accessed homelessness services last year. 🔹6 in 10 were women 🔹1 in 3 were single parents 🔹Nearly 16,000 were women over 55 🔹39% had experienced family violence These are the faces behind the crisis. Real people. Real lives. We can’t wait for change - we need #HomelessnessActionNow.
1
Wayss
Wayss️ 1 month ago

At wayss, Christmas in July came with something extra special this year - the unveiling of our refreshed organisational values. Over the past month, our teams have come together through a series of workshops to reflect, connect and re-strengthen what we stand for. With the help of live illustrator @sallymazak , we captured those conversations and insights in a vibrant piece of graphic recording that brings our values to life through visual thinking. Our renewed values are: 💛 Compassionate 🧡 Courageous 💙 Thoughtful They reflect not just who we are, but who we continue to strive to be - for each other, and for the people and communities we support every day. A big thank you to Sally for her incredible work, and to our team for bringing such energy and honesty to this process.

At wayss, Christmas in July came with something extra special this year - the unveiling of our refreshed organisational values. Over the past month, our teams have come together through a series of workshops to reflect, connect and re-strengthen what we stand for. With the help of live illustrator @sallymazak , we captured those conversations and insights in a vibrant piece of graphic recording that brings our values to life through visual thinking. Our renewed values are: 💛 Compassionate 🧡 Courageous 💙 Thoughtful They reflect not just who we are, but who we continue to strive to be - for each other, and for the people and communities we support every day. A big thank you to Sally for her incredible work, and to our team for bringing such energy and honesty to this process.
At wayss, Christmas in July came with something extra special this year - the unveiling of our refreshed organisational values. Over the past month, our teams have come together through a series of workshops to reflect, connect and re-strengthen what we stand for. With the help of live illustrator @sallymazak , we captured those conversations and insights in a vibrant piece of graphic recording that brings our values to life through visual thinking. Our renewed values are: 💛 Compassionate 🧡 Courageous 💙 Thoughtful They reflect not just who we are, but who we continue to strive to be - for each other, and for the people and communities we support every day. A big thank you to Sally for her incredible work, and to our team for bringing such energy and honesty to this process. At wayss, Christmas in July came with something extra special this year - the unveiling of our refreshed organisational values. Over the past month, our teams have come together through a series of workshops to reflect, connect and re-strengthen what we stand for. With the help of live illustrator @sallymazak , we captured those conversations and insights in a vibrant piece of graphic recording that brings our values to life through visual thinking. Our renewed values are: 💛 Compassionate 🧡 Courageous 💙 Thoughtful They reflect not just who we are, but who we continue to strive to be - for each other, and for the people and communities we support every day. A big thank you to Sally for her incredible work, and to our team for bringing such energy and honesty to this process. +1 At wayss, Christmas in July came with something extra special this year - the unveiling of our refreshed organisational values. Over the past month, our teams have come together through a series of workshops to reflect, connect and re-strengthen what we stand for. With the help of live illustrator @sallymazak , we captured those conversations and insights in a vibrant piece of graphic recording that brings our values to life through visual thinking. Our renewed values are: 💛 Compassionate 🧡 Courageous 💙 Thoughtful They reflect not just who we are, but who we continue to strive to be - for each other, and for the people and communities we support every day. A big thank you to Sally for her incredible work, and to our team for bringing such energy and honesty to this process.
6
Wayss
Wayss️ 1 month ago

Affordable rentals across Melbourne’s Southeast have dropped by 50–70% since 2020. At the same time, more than 15,000 additional social and affordable homes are urgently needed. This Homelessness Week, we’re calling for #HomelessnessActionNow. The housing crisis isn’t slowing down and our response can’t either. At wayss, we help people across Melbourne’s Southeast find safety, stability and support - because everyone deserves a place to call home. #HomelessnessWeek2025

Affordable rentals across Melbourne’s Southeast have dropped by 50–70% since 2020. At the same time, more than 15,000 additional social and affordable homes are urgently needed. This Homelessness Week, we’re calling for #HomelessnessActionNow. The housing crisis isn’t slowing down and our response can’t either. At wayss, we help people across Melbourne’s Southeast find safety, stability and support - because everyone deserves a place to call home. #HomelessnessWeek2025
2
Wayss
Wayss️ 2 months ago

NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to come together to learn about, celebrate, and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At wayss, we acknowledge the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour their ongoing connection to Country - coastlines, rivers and wetlands cared for over more than 65,000 years. We also recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are overrepresented among those facing family violence and homelessness. We're committed to listening, learning, and walking alongside communities to help create safer futures. This NAIDOC Week, we’re encouraging learning and reflection about the rich history and vibrant future of Boonwurrung Country. Throughout the week, we’re sharing daily facts, trivia, and guidance on how to respectfully deliver an Acknowledgement of Country - from the heart. We're also offering specially designed Acknowledgement cards for desks and laptops, featuring artwork by Kamilaroi artist Katie Bugden. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land. 🖤💛❤️

NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to come together to learn about, celebrate, and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At wayss, we acknowledge the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour their ongoing connection to Country - coastlines, rivers and wetlands cared for over more than 65,000 years. We also recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are overrepresented among those facing family violence and homelessness. We're committed to listening, learning, and walking alongside communities to help create safer futures. This NAIDOC Week, we’re encouraging learning and reflection about the rich history and vibrant future of Boonwurrung Country. Throughout the week, we’re sharing daily facts, trivia, and guidance on how to respectfully deliver an Acknowledgement of Country - from the heart. We're also offering specially designed Acknowledgement cards for desks and laptops, featuring artwork by Kamilaroi artist Katie Bugden. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land. 🖤💛❤️
NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to come together to learn about, celebrate, and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At wayss, we acknowledge the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour their ongoing connection to Country - coastlines, rivers and wetlands cared for over more than 65,000 years. We also recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are overrepresented among those facing family violence and homelessness. We're committed to listening, learning, and walking alongside communities to help create safer futures. This NAIDOC Week, we’re encouraging learning and reflection about the rich history and vibrant future of Boonwurrung Country. Throughout the week, we’re sharing daily facts, trivia, and guidance on how to respectfully deliver an Acknowledgement of Country - from the heart. We're also offering specially designed Acknowledgement cards for desks and laptops, featuring artwork by Kamilaroi artist Katie Bugden. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land. 🖤💛❤️
Jenaya Story 5:29

Jenaya Story

A special thank you also to Jenaya for so courageously and generously sharing her story. A story tha...

Working at Wayss - What I do matters 2:22

Working at Wayss - What I do matters

Team members at Wayss were asked to finish the sentence, "What I do matters". Listen to what they s...

Working at Wayss 1:35

Working at Wayss

Hear from some of our staff at Wayss....

Lyn's Story - Homeless for the first time 3:58

Lyn's Story - Homeless for the first time

Older women who experience homelessness are growing in number. Lyn's Story features in a four part s...

Bianca's Story - No place to call home 4:53

Bianca's Story - No place to call home

Meet Bianca who experienced homelessness as a young woman. Bianca's Story featured in a four part se...

Jasmine's Story - Young and homeless 4:23

Jasmine's Story - Young and homeless

Jasmine first became homeless at the age of 14.For many years she experienced couch surfing, sleepin...

Danielle's Story - Without a home 4:21

Danielle's Story - Without a home

Meet Danielle a mum with six kids and no where to go. Wayss partnered with City of Casey to make a f...