A home is more than just a roof over your head – it’s comfort, dignity and a fresh start. That’s exactly what a new partnership between Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and Sydney-based charity ReLove is delivering for young mums who have experienced homelessness.
The Diocese of Parramatta’s social welfare agency, Catholic Care, runs Houses to Homes, a nationally accredited program supporting young women who are pregnant or with children and who are at risk of homeless, providing transitional housing and supports for up to two years. With a number of women now ready to move into private rentals, they have a new opportunity to fully furnish their homes – from rugs and couches to cookware and cushions – all at no cost to them.
“When our girls move out of our houses into their own homes, they go down to the ReLove warehouse and pick out everything they need,” explained Maree Hanna, Coordinator of Houses to Homes.
“It’s all as good as new, and ReLove delivers and sets it all up for them,” she said, noting that most of the furniture is preloved and diverted from landfill (from hotel refurbishments, corporate relocations and the general public), which has both social and environmental benefits.
“It’s been a game changer.”
The program recently helped its first young mum – a woman with a three-year-old child – transition into stable housing following a relationship breakdown. Catholic Care covers the modest delivery and setup fee, ensuring clients aren’t priced out of the service.
“It’s about more than just furniture,” Maree said.
“It’s about walking into a home that feels like their own.”
Image: ReLove/Supplied
The partnership is part of a broader vision to help young women build long-term independence.
“It’s not just housing,” Maree said. “It’s about building futures – safe, beautiful, stable homes for these women and their kids to grow into.”
A ReLove spokesperson added, “We’re so pleased to partner with Catholic Care to ensure that women and children in crisis can move into homes that are not just safe, but comfortable and dignified.”
“Together, we’re turning empty spaces into real homes — filled with warmth, hope, and the essentials everyone deserves.”
Bigger team, bigger dreams
To facilitate these efforts, Catholic Care has also recently welcomed new Senior Manager Sali Magomana to strengthen links with community housing, the Department of Communities and Justice, and local real estate agents – especially across the Blacktown LGA – so that more women can access private rentals.
Sali is focused on addressing the myths and stigma that can prevent young women on subsidies from securing private rentals.
“It’s just more information sharing,” Sali explained.
“There’s a misconception that clients who are on the NSW Government’s Rent Choice Start Safely program can’t sustain a tenancy.
“But the rent is actually paid four weeks in advance – that’s an advantage for landlords and agents.”
The Rent Choice Start Safely initiative supports people who have left, need to leave, or are at risk of returning to an unsafe relationship. It assists with private rental applications and contributes towards rent for up to 36 months.
A private bedroom in one of the residences of Houses 2 Homes, an initiative of Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Sali hopes to build trust by offering local agents clear, practical insights.
“I’m planning to start off with real estate agents, because many of our clients will be exiting into private rentals,” she said.
“Once we build those relationships, it’ll be easier for caseworkers to support their clients in the transition and afterwards.”
For Sali, the work is deeply personal and transformative.
“It’s about empowering young mums,” she said.
“Helping them in all areas – independent living, education, employment – so that by the time they exit the program, they’re strong enough to go on.”
At Catholic Care, a safe place to live is just the first step toward a more stable and hopeful future.
To find out more about how Catholic Care can support you or someone you know, visit catholiccarewsbm.org.au.
